Srinagar: A massive corruption scandal has surfaced in Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiating investigations against two senior officials accused of amassing wealth through illegal means.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu and in virtual mode in Srinagar, Senior Superintendent of Police, ACB Waheed Ahmad Shah disclosed that the bureau had received numerous complaints about two accused officers of Srinagar Smart City Limited, namely, Executive Engineer Zahoor Ahmed Dar, a resident of Ghalib Abad Shalteng Srinagar and Chief Financial Officer, Sajid Yousuf Bhat, a resident of Namlabal Pampore, presently living at Daulat Abad Khanyar Srinagar.
SSP said that the complaints highlighted their luxurious and lavish lifestyles, which far exceeded their known sources of income.
“Following an in-depth investigation, the ACB substantiated the allegations, registered FIRs against both officers and launched search operations at various properties linked to them.”
SSP Waheed Shah said that Sajid Yousuf Bhat is accused of owning a commercial property in Ram Bagh, Srinagar with an actual value significantly higher than what was declared in the sale deed. The investigation also uncovered multiple bank accounts under his name, showing suspicious transactions believed to be tied to corrupt practices.
“Executive Engineer, Zahoor Ahmad Dar was found to own a lavish multi-storey house in Ghalib Abad, Shalteng. He also possesses a luxury sedan and is suspected of conducting dubious financial activities in both his and his spouse’s bank accounts.”
“The ACB has also flagged illegal Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) associated with him,” the SSP said.
The SSP ACB emphasized that these officials had been exploiting their positions for personal enrichment.
He said the ACB’s searches are going on, with investigators examining properties and financial records to uncover the full extent of the corruption. [KNT]
