Anti-Corruption Bureau Cracks Down on Retired SE, Unearths Properties Across Srinagar, Jammu, Delhi

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case against Riyaz Ahmad Parray, a retired Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), for allegedly amassing assets vastly disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure. Parray, a resident of Hygam Baramulla, is accused of acquiring extensive properties and investments across Srinagar, Jammu, Delhi, and other locations, totaling assets worth crores.

An ACB spokesperson revealed in a statement to Kashmir Dot Com that an inquiry had substantiated allegations of corruption against Parray. “The suspect public servant, during his service period, acquired substantial movable and immovable properties at Hygam, Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi, along with significant investments and expenditures, all disproportionate to his legitimate sources of income,” the spokesperson said.

Following the findings, a formal case was registered under FIR No. 01/2025 at the ACB Police Station in Baramulla. The case was initiated under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. Search warrants were obtained, and raids were conducted at multiple locations, including Delhi and Jammu, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents and property records in the presence of independent witnesses.

The investigation revealed that Parray owned a luxurious 3 BHK flat in Greater Kailash, Jammu, another 3 BHK flat in Chhatarpur Enclave Phase 2, Delhi, houses in Residency Road Jammu, Hygam Sopore, and a sprawling residence in Bagh-e-Mehtab Srinagar. In addition, he owns a shopping complex in Hygam Sopore, housing several business establishments, including a J&K Bank branch, along with four other shops in Hygam.

Parray’s landholdings were also found to be extensive, including:

• • 2 kanals at the National Highway Baramulla in Bulgam
  • 17 kanals and 9.5 marlas in Dodan Hygam Baramulla
  • 2 kanals and 9 marlas in Kaidub Hygam Baramulla

The assets include a fleet of vehicles, such as a TATA Safari, Hyundai i10, WagonR, and a John Deere tractor. Financial investigations revealed five fixed deposits totaling ₹88 lakh in J&K Bank and HDFC Bank, insurance policies worth ₹35 lakh, and health insurance policies valued at ₹10 lakh. The probe also noted substantial expenditures on loan repayments.

The ACB described the case as a significant step in its anti-corruption efforts. “The investigation highlights how public servants can misuse their positions to illicitly enrich themselves, undermining public trust,” the spokesperson stated.

The agency has assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and the recovery of illicit assets. Further developments in the case are awaited.