SRINAGAR, July 17:The Jammu and Kashmir government today dismissed a senior KAS officer for alleged 20-crore graft, a series of steps to rid the state of the tag of “second most corrupt” in the country.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been facing sharp criticism over corruption in the state, had recently promised “transparency” in government offices and public dealings.
Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International has rated Kashmir the second-most corrupt state in India after Bihar.
“KAS officer Adil Rashid Naqash was dismissed from services on charges of financial irregularities, misappropriation and embezzlement of government money, misuse of official position and violation of conduct rules,” an official spokesperson said.
Naqash, during his posting as Additional Deputy Commissioner and Collector, Land Acquisition in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, had allegedly indulged in embezzlement of over 20 crore government money that was meant for acquiring land from people for widening of the National Highway.
The Departmental inquiry was initiated against him on the recommendation of the Chief Secretary after the scam surfaced. Then, Naqash was immediately placed under suspension.
“An FIR was also lodged by the State Vigilance Organization which is under investigation,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, besides the officer’s dismissal from services, the government has also proposed to recover the embezzled amount after the vigilance furnishes its final report.
