SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated legal proceedings, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against government officials and private beneficiaries for alleged illegal construction and encroachment within the Rajbagh area of Srinagar.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the FIR, registered as Case No. 10/2026, stems from a joint surprise check and subsequent verification prompted by allegations concerning the construction of a multi-storey building situated in the flood basin and fringe area of the River Jhelum.
According to preliminary findings by the ACB, the verification process uncovered purported irregularities in the process of granting and subsequently modifying building permissions. These alleged irregularities include a significant escalation in the plinth area and the height of the structure, which were reportedly undertaken without securing the mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the relevant government departments.
The investigation also revealed alleged encroachments spanning approximately 2.9 kanals of State/Kahcharai land. Furthermore, constructions were reportedly carried out over existing drainage infrastructure and within the designated prohibited river-fringe zone, the ACB stated in its preliminary report.
The FIR has named several individuals in their former official capacities and as beneficiaries. Among those booked are Muneer Ahmad Khan, who was the Senior Town Planner for the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) at the time; R K Tutoo, formerly the Joint Commissioner Planning for the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC); and Ulfat Jan, who served as the In-charge Assistant Town Planner with the SMC. Other concerned officials and beneficiaries identified are Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh and Parveena Akhter.
The accused have been formally booked under various sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt-2006, including Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2), and relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), specifically Sections 447-A (punishment for criminal trespass), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), and 120 (punishment of criminal conspiracy), in addition to other applicable provisions.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has confirmed that further investigation into the matter is actively ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged irregularities and the involvement of all parties concerned.
The Chenab Times News Desk