ACB registers case over alleged irregularities in Zawoora Garden Development works
Srinagar, June 05 (KINS): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a case following a Joint Surprise Check (JSC) that uncovered alleged corruption, financial irregularities, procedural violations, and abuse of official position in the execution of development works at Zawoora Garden, Srinagar.
The Joint Surprise Check according to the ACB statement was initiated by Police Station ACB, Srinagar, to probe allegations related to the development of the Centre of Excellence at Zawoora Garden. The inquiry reportedly revealed prima facie evidence of serious irregularities in the tendering and execution of works under the project.
According to the findings, the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) was allegedly framed without clearly defined quality parameters and technical specifications, creating scope for arbitrary decision-making. The inquiry further found that financial provisions included in the tender were significantly higher than those envisaged in the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The verification also revealed that the eligibility criteria concerning financial turnover were allegedly fixed at an unusually high level despite the actual requirement being substantially lower. Investigators believe the restrictive condition may have curtailed fair competition and favoured a particular bidder.
The Joint Surprise Check prima facie indicated abuse of official position, criminal misconduct, and criminal conspiracy involving public servants and a beneficiary private firm, resulting in undue pecuniary benefits to the contractor and corresponding losses to the government exchequer.
Consequently, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB, Srinagar, under Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The case has been registered against the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee (DLPC), members of the Inspection Committee, beneficiary contractor M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., and other persons allegedly involved in the matter.
The ACB said further investigation is underway to ascertain the role and culpability of all concerned individuals and to initiate appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.(KINS)
