STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 54/2023 under Sections 419, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code before the Court of the 4th Additional Munsiff Judge, Srinagar, against Fouzia Afzal, a Class-IV employee posted in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar.
According to an EOW official, the accused misused her official position and indulged in criminal misconduct by issuing fake allotment orders of shops and plots. She also provided false appointment letters for government jobs, targeting poor and unemployed youth, thereby duping them of lakhs of rupees.
The scam came to light following a complaint alleging that Fouzia Afzal issued forged documents bearing fabricated signatures of the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and the seal of the District Magistrate, Srinagar. The investigation revealed that she operated in her personal capacity after office hours, impersonating senior officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and Divisional Commissioner’s Office, Kashmir.
The EOW further confirmed that “the accused has been a habitual offender, involved in multiple FIRs across Srinagar district, and several complaints are under investigation. She has been placed under suspension, and a departmental inquiry has recommended her premature retirement under Article 226(2) of J&K Service Conduct Rules.”
The probe established that victims were misled with fake allotment orders for shops at Jehangir Chowk, 5-marla plots at Bemina, and government job appointments for Junior Assistant posts. The investigation concluded the case as “PROVED,” and the chargesheet has now been submitted for judicial adjudication.
The EOW official added, “This case underscores our commitment to cracking down on economic offences and ensuring that those who misuse public office to defraud innocent citizens are held accountable.”
The chargesheet marks a significant step in legal proceedings against Fouzia Afzal, reflecting the authorities’ zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, forgery, and financial fraud in public service.