The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against an assistant executive engineer in Kishtwar district for possessing assets that exceed his known income sources. The accused, Ashiq Hussain Rather, currently serving as Chhatroo AEE Hydraulic Sub-Division, is under investigation for allegedly owning assets beyond his legitimate earnings. Searches were carried out at various locations in Doda and Kishtwar based on court-issued warrants.
Further inquiries are being conducted to ascertain the extent of the alleged disproportionate assets. The case was initiated following a verification by the ACB (Doda-Kishtwar Range) into claims that the officer held significant assets, including properties and bank balances, surpassing his lawful income. The suspect is suspected of illicitly enriching himself during his tenure, as per officials.
The J&K ACB, responsible for probing corruption and disproportionate assets among public officials, operates under the supervision of the J&K Lieutenant Governor. It investigates offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code. ACB officers are empowered to conduct searches, seize incriminating evidence, and freeze assets believed to be unlawfully acquired. The bureau also conducts sting operations to catch officials engaging in corrupt practices.
