Sumbal Power Scam: 108 Charged, Crores Embezzled

2026-01-02 12:06:18

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- In one of the biggest corruption cases unearthed in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch has filed a comprehensive charge sheet against 108 accused persons for their alleged involvement in a massive embezzlement of government funds and illegal appointments in the Electric Division Sumbal.

The charge-sheet has been submitted in FIR No. 25/2018 before the Court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, under Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to officials, the accused include 37 officers and employees of the Electric Division Sumbal, among them 15 Executive Engineers, six Assistant Accounts Officers, one Accounts Assistant, six Head Assistants, four Senior Assistants-including the alleged kingpin, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, son of Sonaullah Malik, a resident of Aragam, Bandipora-four Junior Assistants and one Orderly. The charge-sheet also names 25 officers and officials of J&K Bank, Branch Sumbal Sonawari, and 46 individuals who were allegedly appointed illegally as fake employees.

The case was registered after the Crime Branch received credible information that the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), in active connivance with departmental officials and bank staff, had fraudulently withdrawn crores of rupees from government accounts. The illegally drawn funds were allegedly used to facilitate fake appointments and siphon off public money.

Investigations conducted by the EOW revealed a well-organised and systematic conspiracy involving diversion of government funds, manipulation of official records, and fraudulent financial transactions. Officials said substantial amounts of money were transferred into multiple bank accounts of the accused, including savings accounts and term deposits, along with accrued interest.

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