Baramulla, May 21: In a major action against corruption in government ranks, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, a Storekeeper at the Government Ration Sale Centre, Seer Jagir Sopore, for allegedly accumulating assets worth lakhs that are disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Bhat, son of Abdul Rashid Bhat and resident of Tarzoo Sopore (currently residing in Sidiq Colony, Noorabad By-pass), was appointed as a Depot Assistant in the CAPD Department in 1998. During his tenure as In-Charge Storekeeper between 2008 and 2016, he allegedly amassed significant assets under his name and that of his family members.
According to the ACB, the assets include:
One kanal of land at Ranbir Garh Pratap Garh, Mirgund (purchased in 2008).
One kanal of land at Noorabad By-pass, Nowpora Kalan Sopore (purchased in 2010).
A 7-marla plot at Rakh Arath Housing Colony, Bemina Srinagar (purchased in 2014).
A double-storey residential house built on the Bemina plot between 2014–2016.
A Maruti 800 (JK05B-6670) and a Scooty Aviator (JK05D-4662) purchased in 2013.
The ACB’s verification also revealed suspiciously large cash deposits in bank accounts held by Bhat and his family members, which are currently under scrutiny.
Unable to justify the wealth accumulated during the check period, Bhat now faces a full-fledged investigation. Upon registering the case, ACB secured search warrants from the Hon’ble Anti-Corruption Court Baramulla and conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the accused. Several incriminating documents and materials were recovered and seized in the presence of a magistrate.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has assured that investigations are ongoing and that all sources of the illegal wealth will be thoroughly examined.
This case serves as yet another stern warning against public servants misusing their position for personal enrichment.
