Srinagar, August 20(KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a formal case in connection with a significant financial scam involving misappropriation of government funds and manipulation of official software within the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir.
Following a written complaint, a preliminary enquiry conducted by the ACB revealed serious financial irregularities in the Accounts Section of the Directorate. The enquiry identified two public servants — Javed Ahmad Bhat, Junior Assistant (then In-charge Bill Clerk), and Tawseef Dilshad Zargar, MTS (then Assistant to Bill Clerk) — as key accused in the scam.
According to the ACB, the duo fraudulently tampered with the J&K PaySys software, a sensitive platform used for processing government payments. They allegedly replaced the bank account details of legitimate vendors with their own or those of close relatives, thereby diverting substantial government funds into private accounts. This manipulation led to the misappropriation of public money amounting to several lakhs of rupees.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The enquiry further established that the accused abused their official positions and acted in criminal conspiracy with each other and potentially other unknown individuals to secure undue financial gains at the expense of the state exchequer.
The offences uncovered during the investigation are punishable under Sections 7, 13(1)(a), and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 120-B, 420, and 467 of the Indian Penal Code.
Accordingly, FIR No. 16/2025 has been registered against Javed Ahmad Bhat, Junior Assistant (then In-charge Bill Clerk), son of Late Ghulam Hassan Bhat, resident of Sheikh Mohallah, Brein, Nishat, Srinagar. Tawseef Dilshad Zargar, MTS (then Assistant to Bill Clerk), son of Late Dilshad Ahmad Zargar, resident of Chowdrigund, Shopian. Others, whose involvement is under investigation.
The ACB has formally taken up the investigation and assured that all those found guilty will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.(KNS).