Srinagar, Jan 19: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge sheet against a retired employee of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department for allegedly fraudulently availing migrant relief benefits amounting to over ₹18 lakh by falsely registering himself as a migrant.
Officials said the investigation revealed that the accused had illegally enrolled himself and his family members as migrants despite being in active government service at the time, making him ineligible for such relief.
According to an official statement issued to Kashmir News Observer, the EOW has submitted a charge sheet before the Court of the 19th Electricity Magistrate, Jammu, against Mohd Hussain Shah, a resident of Syedapura in Shopian district, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh in Ganderbal. Shah had retired from the PHE Department’s Ganderbal Division.
The charge sheet pertains to allegations that the accused unlawfully obtained migrant relief amounting to ₹18,30,265 by misrepresenting his employment status. Acting on a written complaint, the investigation agency examined claims that Shah had dishonestly drawn cash relief meant for migrants by registering himself and his family despite being a serving government employee during the relevant period.
During a detailed probe, investigators found that the accused had deliberately concealed material facts and falsely projected himself as a migrant to secure registration. The investigation further established that he continued to receive migrant relief benefits even after remaining ineligible, resulting in financial loss to the government exchequer and unlawful personal gain.
Based on the evidence collected, the EOW concluded that the accused’s actions amounted to cheating under Section 420 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Officials said the material on record clearly supports the allegations.
After completing all legal and procedural requirements, the charge sheet was formally presented before the competent court for judicial examination. The Economic Offences Wing reiterated its commitment to curbing economic offences and preventing the misuse of government welfare schemes to protect public funds.
