SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has formally approved the suspension of a Junior Engineer from the Public Works (R&B) Department who is currently facing legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Chenab Times has learned that the government issued an official order confirming the suspension and subsequent attachment of Er Abdul Nasir Bali. Bali is an accused in FIR No. 13/2022, which was registered at the Chanderkote Police Station. The decision, documented as Government Order No. 214-PW(R and B) of 2026, retrospectively validates the disciplinary action initially imposed on April 13, 2022, by the Director of Rural Development, Jammu.
Following the ratification, Er Bali has been attached to the office of the Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Wing (REW), Udhampur. This measure aligns with the directives outlined in the original departmental order that initiated the suspension. The order underscores the administration’s stance on employees facing serious criminal charges, particularly those related to narcotics.
The Public Works (R&B) Department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and buildings across the Union Territory. Engineers within this department play a crucial role in infrastructure development. The suspension of an engineer facing charges under the NDPS Act signifies a serious disciplinary action, reflecting the gravity with which such cases are treated within government services.
The NDPS Act is a stringent law in India that deals with offenses and penalties related to the possession, sale, purchase, and transportation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Cases registered under this act can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and substantial fines, depending on the quantity and nature of the substance involved.
The Chanderkote Police Station, where the FIR was lodged, operates within the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the engineer’s legal proceedings are being monitored. The government’s ratification of the suspension indicates that departmental inquiries and actions will proceed in parallel with the criminal investigation.
This action is in line with broader governmental efforts to maintain probity and accountability within public services. Employees facing criminal charges, especially those involving moral turpitude or threats to public safety, are often placed under suspension to ensure the integrity of investigations and prevent any potential interference. The formal ratification process ensures that the disciplinary action taken by the department adheres to established administrative and legal procedures.
The attachment order ensures that while suspended, the engineer remains under the administrative purview of a specific office, facilitating any further disciplinary proceedings or inquiries that may be initiated by the department. The Rural Engineering Wing (REW) typically oversees rural infrastructure projects, and the Executive Engineer holds a senior administrative and technical position within this wing.
The decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to ratify the suspension highlights a commitment to upholding service rules and ensuring that officials involved in alleged criminal activities are held accountable. The proceedings are expected to continue as per the established legal framework, with further updates likely to emerge from the investigation and departmental actions.
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