Srinagar, March 26 The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch in Kashmir conducted searches at three locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of government funds during the COVID-19 pandemic by two individuals.
The case was initiated based on a written complaint submitted by Sanjay Kumar Sahu, the owner of Sanjay Trading Company, New Delhi, who alleged that Emad Muzafar Makdoomi alias Imran Shah and Vikar Ahmad Bhat fraudulently induced the firm into providing medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch in J&K, Kashmir, conducted house searches at three different locations in the districts of Srinagar and Budgam as part of an FIR," a spokesperson for the agency said.
"A preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons fraudulently obtained large sums of money, including funds from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, through deceitful means," the spokesperson added.
They also attempted to siphon off crores of rupees from the Government Medical College, Srinagar, the spokesperson added.
The accused individuals impersonated government officials, posing as delegates and OSD (Supplies), and issued fake allotment orders from various departments and institutions. They created fake email IDs of the complainant firm and opened fraudulent bank accounts in its name to divert payments.
"Based on these findings, a formal case has been registered, and the investigation has been initiated. The house searches conducted today are aimed at securing further evidence, including digital records and financial documents," the spokesperson said, adding that further investigation is underway.