Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday registered an FIR against five Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) officials and nine Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers for allegedly embezzling government food grains worth Rs 5.57 crore in the Karnah area of Kupwara district.
An ACB spokesperson here on Monday said that case FIR No. 02/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following approval from the J&K Government’s General Administration Department (GAD).
The case stems from a complaint by the Director of FCS&CA Kashmir, after inspections revealed massive shortages. A Joint Surprise Check initially detected a shortage of 4,175.89 quintals of rice at Lountha Granary.
“That subsequent comprehensive physical verification by a departmental Sub Committee and detailed verification by ACB uncovered substantial shortages at various Sale Centres and Fair Price Shops falling under Tangdhar, Karnah-A and Karnah-B Circles of District Kupwara, resulting in a loss to the Government exchequer amounting to Rs 5,57,18,657.25 (approximately Rs 5.57 crore) under a well-orchestrated criminal conspiracy involving public servants and private beneficiaries who allegedly dishonestly misappropriated Government food grains entrusted to them by abusing their official position for unlawful pecuniary gain, thereby causing substantial loss to the Government exchequer,” said the spokesperson.
Based on evidence, the ACB registered the FIR for criminal misconduct, breach of trust, misappropriation, and conspiracy.
“The case, inter alia, involves Umar Bashir alias Raja Umer, then Assistant Storekeeper, Ashiq Hussain Mir, then Assistant Storekeeper, along with twelve other accused comprising public servants and Fair Price Shop dealers, ” the spokesperson said . Immediately following the FIR, searches were launched at multiple locations, and investigations are ongoing.
The Spokesperson further sad “Anti-Corruption Bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding public resources. The Bureau appeals to the general public to actively support the fight against corruption by reporting instances of corruption through the ACB Helpline or official e-mail.”
