Srinagar: A day after Central Bureau of Investigation team searched his house in connection with alleged arms license scam, the former Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and incumbent Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbla Chowdary has said that in the three districts of Reasi, Kathua and Udhampur where he served as Deputy Commissioner only 3% of licenses were issued to people. Chowdary was reacting to the media reports about the CBI raid at his official residence at Tulsi Bagh Srinagar.
“I have to confirm that CBI did search my residence & found nothing incriminating in ongoing arms license probe. Media friends may note the probe covers 4 years across all districts. I am fully answerable to CBI for my tenure,” he tweeted.
Divulging information about his tenure in the districts which are on CBI radar for alleged arms license scam, Shahid Chowdary said that out of 4.49 lakh arms licences issued in J&K between 2012-16, only 56,000 (12.4%) were issued in 3 districts of Reasi, Kathua and Udhampur where he served as District Magistrate. He said this is not disproportionate and is the lowest number.
He said of the 56,000 licences issued in 3 districts of Reasi, Kathua and Udhampur between 2012-16, only 1720 were issued in his tenure -3% of all licences issued in three districts in 4 years or during the period under investigation and 0.38% of all such licences issued in J&K.He further said that the licences issued in 3 districts under his tenure have been among the lowest by any DMs in any district. Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdary said that oversight or procedural indiscretion in few cases cannot be completely ruled out.
“Of the 36,000 licences issued in Udhampur between 2012-16, only 1500 odd (less than 4%) issued under my tenure. I have complied with agency queries, committed to do so in future also,” he said.
