EOW Kashmir Uncovers COVID-Era Procurement Fraud; Multiple House Searches Conducted in Srinagar and Budgam
SRINAGAR, March 26, 2026 — The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Kashmir Crime Branch carried out extensive raids across three locations in Srinagar and Budgam today, targeting a high-stakes fraud case involving the siphoning of massive funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The operation follows the registration of FIR No. 11/2026, which includes charges of cheating, forgery, and conspiracy under the IPC and the IT Act. The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a New Delhi-based firm, M/s Sanjay Trading Company, alleging that local individuals—identified as Emad Muzafar Makdoomi and Vikar Ahmad Bhat—dishonestly induced the company into a fraudulent medical supply scheme during the height of the pandemic.
According to official statements from the Crime Branch, the accused allegedly impersonated high-ranking government officials, such as “OSD Supplies,” to issue counterfeit allotment orders from various state departments.
A preliminary probe revealed that the duo successfully diverted significant sums from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, and attempted to embezzle crores more from Government Medical College, Srinagar.
To facilitate the scam, the suspects reportedly created fake email identities and opened fraudulent bank accounts in the complainant’s name to intercept payments.
Today’s searches were specifically designed to recover digital evidence and financial records to further solidify the case as the investigation continues.