Baramulla, April 29 (Newsly Wire) — In a major anti-corruption development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge sheet against Abdul Rashid Mir, the former Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) of Chandanwari, and Bashir Ahmad Lone, a former Junior Assistant, for embezzling over ₹27 lakh in scholarship funds meant for Gujjar, Bakerwal, and Pahari-speaking students.
The ACB submitted the charge sheet in the Special Anti-Corruption Court Baramulla following a thorough investigation initiated after a complaint was received through the State Vigilance Commission J&K.
Scholarship Scam: The Allegations
According to ACB’s findings:
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The fraud occurred during the academic years 2009–10, 2010–11, and 2011–12.
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Officials falsified records by adding non-existent student names to the acquittance registers.
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An excess amount of ₹23.15 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn over and above the actual student roll count.
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The total misappropriated amount stands at approximately ₹27 lakh.
The accused abused their official positions to manipulate beneficiary lists and divert funds, thereby causing significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
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Legal Action Taken
The ACB has booked the accused under:
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Sections 5(1)(c), 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006
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Sections 468, 471, 201, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)
Accused:
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Abdul Rashid Mir – Former ZEO Chandanwari (now retired), resident of Uri
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Bashir Ahmad Lone – Former Junior Assistant in ZEO office (now retired), resident of Boniyar
Both accused appeared before the Hon’ble Court and were granted bail. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
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