Srinagar, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a formal departmental inquiry against Dr. Azmat Gowher Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, in connection with allegations concerning his association with a private healthcare company.
The Health and Medical Education Department, in Government Order No. 741-JK(HME) of 2026, issued on October 6, sanctioned the appointment of Abdul Gani Raina, In-charge Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, as the Inquiry Officer to examine the charges against Dr. Khan.
Khursheed Ahmad Damnoo, Accountant, GMC Baramulla, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer to present the department’s case during the proceedings.
As per the government order, the inquiry has been initiated under Rule 33(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to examine whether Dr. Khan’s directorship in M/s Clinnova Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. between May 23, 2020 and June 12, 2020 constituted a violation of Rule 10 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.
The terms of reference also require scrutiny of Dr. Khan’s claim that the association with the company was inadvertent and arose in connection with a matrimonial dispute. The inquiry will further examine the authenticity of documents submitted by the officer in support of his defence.
The Inquiry Officer has also been tasked with examining the draft Articles of Charge, Statement of Imputations, list of evidence and verification reports of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Drug Control Officer, besides recording oral and documentary evidence presented by both sides.
The order directs that the charged officer be given a full opportunity to inspect documents, cross-examine witnesses and present his defence, while ensuring compliance with Rule 34 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956, and the principles of natural justice.
The inquiry will also determine whether the alleged lapse amounted to deliberate misconduct or a technical/procedural violation without mala fide intent.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit a reasoned report within 30 days of his appointment, clearly stating whether the charges are proved, not proved or partly proved, along with recommendations for appropriate departmental action under Rule 30 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956.
