SRINAGAR, Jun 5: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered a corruption case against several government officials and a private contractor after an enquiry uncovered alleged financial irregularities, procedural violations and abuse of official position in the execution of development works under the Centre of Excellence project at Zawoora Garden in Srinagar.
According to an official statement, the ACB initiated the action following a Joint Surprise Check conducted by Police Station ACB Srinagar into the implementation of the project. The enquiry unearthed prima facie evidence of serious lapses in the tendering process and execution of works, prompting the registration of a formal case.
Investigators found that the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) did not incorporate clear technical specifications and quality benchmarks, a deficiency that allegedly allowed arbitrary decision-making during the award and execution of the contract. The enquiry also revealed that several financial provisions included in the tender exceeded the estimates approved in the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The ACB further found that officials fixed the financial turnover eligibility criteria at an unusually high level despite the project’s comparatively lower requirements. According to the enquiry, this condition restricted fair competition and allegedly favoured a particular bidder, thereby compromising transparency in the procurement process.
The bureau concluded that public servants and a beneficiary private firm allegedly acted in connivance, resulting in abuse of official position, criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy. The alleged irregularities reportedly enabled wrongful financial gains to the contractor while causing losses to the government exchequer.
Based on these findings, the ACB registered FIR No. 09/2026 at Police Station ACB Srinagar under relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The FIR names the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee (DLPC), members of the Inspection Committee, beneficiary firm M/S Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., and other individuals allegedly involved in the case.
Officials said the investigation will examine the role of all accused persons, scrutinise the decision-making process and determine individual accountability. The bureau added that it will take further legal action in accordance with the findings of the investigation.
The case marks another significant action by the ACB as it intensifies efforts to curb corruption and ensure transparency in the execution of public projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
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