Srinagar, Mar 8: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Special Anti-Corruption Court in Baramulla against seven individuals accused of misappropriating funds sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Officials said the chargesheet was submitted in connection with FIR No. 43/2018 before the court of the Special Anti-Corruption Judge in Baramulla. The accused have been booked under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code along with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act.
The case originated from a written complaint alleging irregularities in the utilisation of funds allocated for constructing a school building at Hampora Kralgund village in the Langate area of Kupwara district. The project included a school structure along with a kitchen block, toilet facility and ramp.
Investigators found that ₹5.73 lakh had been released through multiple cheques by the then Zonal Education Officer of Langate, largely routed through the first teacher of Primary School Hampora. However, the probe revealed that the approved works were not executed according to prescribed guidelines.
A field inspection showed that only the main school structure had been built, while other components of the project — including the kitchen block, toilet and ramp — were missing despite the funds having been released for these facilities.
The investigation further indicated that the accused officials allegedly conspired with a contractor and awarded the construction work in violation of scheme norms, which require such projects to be carried out through members of the Village Education Committee.
Officials also stated that the original plan for a three-room school building with separate supporting facilities was altered. Instead, a double-storey building with four rooms was constructed.
The contractor is also accused of failing to formally hand over the completed structure to the Education Department. Authorities said the responsible officials did not take possession of the building, allowing another individual to allegedly occupy it unlawfully.
Following the collection of evidence during the investigation, the chargesheet has been placed before the court for further judicial proceedings.
The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir reiterated that it remains committed to taking strict legal action against corruption and safeguarding public funds.