Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama convicts former Junior Engineer of rural development department in forgery and corruption case

Srinagar, Oct 23 (KINS): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said that the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama, Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir, has convicted Sonaullah Wani, then serving as a Junior Engineer in the Rural Development Department, in a long-pending case of forgery and corruption.

In a statement, an ACB spokesperson said, “The Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Pulwama, Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir, has pronounced judgment in case FIR No. 24/2000 of P/S Vigilance Organization Kashmir (now ACB) registered under Sections 420, 467, 471 RPC read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006, convicting the accused Sonaullah Wani, then Junior Engineer, Rural Development Department.”

According to the ACB statement, the investigation revealed that the accused had forged his Matriculation Certificate and Service Book, fraudulently altering his date of birth from 08.06.1940 to 08.06.1945. “By doing so, he managed to overstay in government service for 21 months beyond his actual retirement age, thereby drawing undue salary to the tune of ₹2,62,760, causing equivalent loss to the State exchequer,” the statement said.

The ACB further stated, “Expert examination conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Srinagar confirmed the forgery of signatures and seals, while verification from the J&K Board of School Education established the accused’s actual date of birth.”

After a full-fledged trial, the Court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond any reasonable doubt through “convincing documentary, expert, and oral evidence.” Consequently, the accused was sentenced to seven years of simple imprisonment, fined ₹3,52,760, and ordered to be lodged at Central Jail Srinagar.

Terming the judgment a major step in the fight against corruption, the Bureau said, “This conviction stands as a testament to the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and ensuring integrity in public service. The Bureau reiterates its resolve to bring to justice all those who misuse public office for personal gain.”(KINS)