Kashmir officer dismissed for Rs. 20 crore fraud

A senior government official of the Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) was suspended today after an inquiry hinted at a misappropriation of Rs. 20 crore of public money.

A senior government official of the Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) was suspended on Tuesday after an inquiry hinted at a misappropriation of Rs. 20 crore of public money.

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"The state government today dismissed Adil Rashid Naqash, KAS officer, on the charges of financial irregularities, misappropriation/embezzlement of government money, misuse of official position and violation of conduct rules after holding departmental inquiry," said an official spokesman.

Naqash was additional deputy commissioner and collector, land acquisition, Pulwama.

"Naqash is accused of misappropriation of over Rs. 20 crore meant for the widening of the National Highway in district Pulwama," said the government spokesman.

The dismissal of the officer has come as a departmental inquiry has been initiated against him, on the recommendation of the chief secretary.

An FIR was also lodged by the State Vigilance Organisation.

"The government has also proposed to recover the embezzled amount after the vigilance furnishes its final report," said the spokesman.