Extensive Corruption and Abuse of Power Uncovered in Kashmir: Hurriyat Chief and Senior IAS Officer Booked

May 21, 2024 – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar has initiated legal proceedings against Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Abdul Majid Drabu, a senior IAS officer and the brother-in-law of Farooq, for alleged encroachment on custodian land. The case was registered at PS ACB Srinagar following an in-depth investigation that revealed widespread corruption and abuse of power within the Custodian and Revenue Departments.

The investigation, which began as a preliminary enquiry, uncovered that officers and officials from these departments colluded with beneficiaries to allocate evacuee land without proper government sanction, flagrantly violating established provisions. This fraudulent allocation of land ignored existing rules and regulations, failing to take action against encroachers and leading to undue benefits for both officials and beneficiaries. The resultant actions caused significant financial losses to the state exchequer.

Illegal Land Allocation

One of the key findings detailed in the FIR highlighted the unlawful granting of evacuee land to a woman named Dil Rafiqa by the Custodian Department. This allocation, which lacked necessary government sanction and bypassed the requirement for an open auction, involved 07 Kanal 19 Marlas 97 sqft of land belonging to Sh. Imam-u-Din. The land, situated at Saderbal Hazratbal under survey number 640, was illicitly allocated to several individuals, including Dil Rafiqa, in gross violation of regulatory norms.

Key Individuals Implicated

The investigation implicated several individuals in the illegal allotment process. These include:

• Majid Khalil Ahmad Drabu
• Mohd. Amin Khan
• Ab. Majeed Bhat
• Qazi Bilal Ahmad
• Umer Farooq

All individuals involved are alleged to have participated in actions that constitute offenses under section 5(1)(d) read with section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Sv. 2006, and section 120B RPC.

High-Profile Involvement

Senior bureaucrat Abdul Majid Drabu, currently serving as Controller of Legal Metrology, is notably involved in this case. Drabu, being the brother-in-law of Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, adds a significant dimension to the scandal due to the high-profile nature of both individuals. The preliminary investigation has identified both as encroachers, raising serious concerns about the integrity and conduct of senior officials.

Investigative Measures and Accountability

To ensure a thorough and impartial probe, the investigation has been assigned to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) rank officer. This move underscores the authorities’ commitment to conducting a meticulous investigation and holding all involved parties accountable.

The ACB’s actions reflect the government’s resolve to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. Stringent measures are being promised to address and rectify these corrupt practices, aiming to restore public trust in the administrative and legal processes.

Conclusion

This case, highlighting extensive corruption and abuse of power, has sent shockwaves through the administrative and political circles in Kashmir. The involvement of prominent figures such as Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Abdul Majid Drabu has amplified the gravity of the situation. As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen what further revelations will emerge and how the authorities will navigate the complexities of this high-profile corruption scandal.

The government’s decisive action in this matter aims to reinforce accountability and transparency within its ranks, demonstrating a clear stance against corruption. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the political and bureaucratic landscape of Kashmir.