Crime Branch Kashmir Files Chargesheet in SSA Funds Misappropriation Case in Baramulla

Srinagar, Mar 8: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Kashmir Crime Branch has formally filed a chargesheet against seven individuals for the alleged misappropriation of government funds sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.

Presented before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla under FIR No. 43/2018, the chargesheet invokes Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) along with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.

The legal action follows a comprehensive investigation into a written complaint regarding the embezzlement of funds meant for the construction of a school building, kitchen block, toilet, and ramp at village Hampora Kralgund in the Langate area of Kupwara district.

Investigations revealed that while approximately Rs 5,73,592 was released through several cheques by the then Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Langate, the approved works were not executed according to prescribed norms.

On-ground inspections by the Crime Branch found that only the main school structure had been built, while the mandatory kitchen block, toilets, and ramp were entirely missing despite the full release of funds.

The probe further uncovered a criminal conspiracy where accused officials bypassed SSA guidelines—which require projects to be managed by the Village Education Committee (VEC)—to instead allot the contract to a private contractor. This collusion led to the unauthorized alteration of the original three-room site plan into a double-storey four-room structure for personal gain.

Furthermore, the building was never officially handed over to the Education Department, a lapse that allowed another accused individual to illegally occupy the government property.

With the evidence now established, the EOW has reiterated its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring strict legal consequences for financial irregularities.