The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday chargesheeted 10 persons, including two former executive engineers and a private contractor, in an alleged ₹7.12 lakh embezzlement and fraud case linked to the Lastiyal-Kalaroose bridge in Kupwara.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, an ACB spokesperson said the bureau has presented a chargesheet before the competent court against 10 accused persons, including nine public servants and one private contractor, in a case relating to alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of a security deposit, forgery, abuse of official position and criminal conspiracy in connection with the construction of a steel bridge at Lastiyal-Kalaroose, Kupwara.

The spokesperson said the case originated from an Open Verification conducted by the erstwhile Vigilance Organisation Kashmir into allegations of loss to the state exchequer by the beneficiary contractor in connivance with officials of the PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara.

Details of alleged irregularities

According to the spokesperson, investigation revealed that the bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with stipulated completion within three months. The contractor commenced the work after considerable delay, executed only part of it and subsequently abandoned the project. Departmental store material comprising cement and steel remained unaccounted for or unrecovered, valued at approximately ₹5.63 lakh.

The spokesperson said investigation further revealed fraudulent release and encashment of the contractor's CDR amounting to ₹73,000 on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent departmental authority. The investigation also found alleged irregular release of Bill Deposits amounting to ₹81,400 despite outstanding government liabilities, besides lapses by engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding government material, enforcing contractual conditions and ensuring recovery of government dues.

"Thereby a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to state exchequer was caused by accused public servants in connivance with contractor," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that after completion of the investigation, requisite sanction for prosecution against the in-service accused public servants was accorded by the competent authority.

Accused named

Based on oral, documentary, scientific and other evidence collected during the investigation, the following 10 persons were chargesheeted: Abdul Majeed Malik, then Helper/Assistant Cashier, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Ghulam Rasool Lone, then Cashier/Senior Assistant, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Retd.), then Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Ajit Singh Chopra (Retd.), then Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Nazir Ahmad Shah (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Abdul Rashid Dar (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Manzoor Ahmad Sumji, then Junior Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Gh. Qadir Bhat (Retd.), then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Abdul Hamid Dar, then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone, private contractor/beneficiary.

The spokesperson said all 10 accused were presented before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, on Monday along with the chargesheet and were admitted to bail upon furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the court. The court has fixed November 25, 2026, as the next date of hearing.

SRINAGAR — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday hinted that a cabinet reshuffle will take place after August 15.

Speaking to reporters, as per the news agency KNO, the Chief Minister said the reshuffle was "a work in progress" but clarified that it would not happen before Independence Day.

"It is a work in progress, but not before August 15. It would be an injustice to those ministers whose names have been included in the list speeches. They are drafting their speeches. Let them finish their speeches; we will talk about it after that," he said, adding that the reshuffle will take place.

Responding to journalists' questions on the reshuffle, Omar asked why they were so concerned. "You don't ask this question to the Prime Minister in Delhi. There has been talk of a reshuffle there for months, but nobody asks this question. I don't know why you are so concerned about this," he said.

Reshuffle expected after August 15, sources say

Sources told KNO that the cabinet reshuffle is expected immediately after August 15, as ministers will need to prepare for the autumn session of the Assembly, likely to begin on September 21.

"It could take place in the first week after August 15," sources said.

As per law, the strength of the council of ministers, currently six, cannot exceed nine. According to sources, two to three new faces from the Kashmir Valley are likely to be inducted into the council of ministers.

"There could also be a rejig in portfolios, and one minister from Jammu may lose a key portfolio," sources said.

JAMMU — Thousands of daily wagers from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir staged a protest in Jammu on Monday, demanding implementation of minimum wage provisions and permanent status for those who have completed the required period of service and fulfil the eligibility criteria.

The protesters sought implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, a law intended to ensure that workers covered by its provisions are paid at least the minimum wage fixed by the government for their category of employment.

Raising slogans in support of their demands, the workers said they had continued working for government departments and other establishments for years without receiving the job security enjoyed by regular employees.

"We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We are demanding the minimum wage prescribed by law and a fair policy for those daily wagers who have completed the required service and are eligible for permanent status," protesters said.

Another group of workers said prolonged engagement on a daily-wage basis had left thousands of families uncertain about their future.

"Many of us have spent years doing the same work, but we still do not know what our future is. We want the government to settle the issue instead of keeping workers waiting year after year," they said.

The protesters demanded that the government undertake a comprehensive assessment of daily wagers, identify those eligible for regularisation or permanent status, and establish a clear timeline for resolving their cases.

They also urged the administration to ensure that wage payments comply with applicable statutory provisions and that workers are not left vulnerable to prolonged uncertainty over their employment.