Six government officials were today booked by Jammu and Kashmir State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) for alleged misappropriation of levy sugar having a market value of over Rs 1.71 crore.
After complaints of misappropriation in Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department, a team of SVO carried out a raid and found that 373.7 tonnes of levy sugar was missing from the stock, the department said.
"A joint surprise check conducted by SVO into allegations of misappropriation of levy sugar in CAPD department Srinagar has unearthed a shortage of 373.7 tonnes in stores," a spokesman of the organisation said.
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The then Tehsil Supply Officer Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, the then storekeeper Altaf Ahmad Bhat, the then assistant storekeepers Mehraj-ud-din Khan, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat and Abdul Gani Shah and the then watchman Waseem Mukhtar Qadeemi-- who were entrusted with the job of proper receipt, safe custody and subsequent distribution of the sugar-- have been found responsible for shortage and embezzlement, he said.
"The officials have entered into a criminal conspiracy resulting in a loss to the tune of Rs 50,46,164 to the state exchequer," the spokesman said, adding as per market rate the loss comes out to be Rs 1,71,94,340.
He said the act of omissions and commissions on the part of the public servants constitute offences punishable under various sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and Ranbir Penal Code.
A case has been registered, the spokesman said.
