Jammu, July 3, 2025: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet against the former Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Tangdhar, Kupwara and three other officials for the embezzlement of ₹8.3 lakh in scholarship funds meant for Pahari-speaking and Gujjar-Bakerwal students during the 2010–2011 academic year.
Following a verification into allegations of fraud, the ACB established that Mohammad Ashraf Bhat (then ZEO), Mohammad Ashraf Paswal and Razia Bano (then Junior Assistants), and Shafiqa Rafiq (then Zonal Gender Coordinator) had conspired to insert over 750 fictitious student names in official disbursement registers and fraudulently withdrew scholarship funds.
The investigation revealed:
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Over 600 fake entries under the Pahari-speaking category.
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More than 150 fictitious names under the Gujjar-Bakerwal category.
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Misuse of utilization certificates, with signatures of the then MLA Tangdhar and Advisory Board Member obtained under false pretenses.
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Direct credit of ₹5 lakh into Mohammad Ashraf Paswal’s personal account, later withdrawn in cash.
The case is registered under FIR No. 32/2018 for offenses under Sections 5(1)(c), 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, and Sections 468, 471, 120-B RPC for criminal conspiracy, forgery, and misuse of official position.
All four accused were produced before the Special Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla, and released on personal bonds. The next hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2025.
Notably, Mohammad Ashraf Paswal is also facing trial in a separate disproportionate assets case.
