Illegal appointment case : Court directs Crime Branch to finalize investigation within a month
Srinagar: Special Judge (Anti-Corruption) Y P Bourney has directed the Crime Branch, Jammu to finalize the investigation with regard to the illegal appointment of one Shakeel-ur-Rehman of Qazipora (Katipora) Tangmarg, Kashmir as Publicity-cum-Public Relation Officer (PRO) in J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL).
While disposing off an application filed by Dr. Javed Rahi seeking expeditious conclusion of the investigation, the Special Judge after hearing Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah appearing for the complainant via virtual mode whereas APP Hemanshu Parkash appearing for ACB in person, the Court observed that it is evident from the report filed by Crime Branch that the investigation already stands concluded but for the representation of one of the accused Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, the then Secretary JKAACL further investigation has been ordered and Investigating Officer has only to see now whether accused has any justifiable explanation to the allegations which are duly established against him during the course of investigation and beyond that no further investigation is permissible.
Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah vehemently argued that the Crime Branch has fully established the case against former Secretary JKAACL Zaffar Iqbal Manhas and the beneficiary of the illegal appointment Shakeel-ur-Rehman. He further submitted that Crime Branch has been soft towards former Secretary who also served as MLC PDP before he joined J&K APNI Party.
The Crime Branch arrested Shakeel Ur Rehman on 19 February this year and subsequently he was bailed out, however the Crime Branch unsuccessfully conducted raids at the Jammu residence of Zaffar Iqbal Manhas when he actively participated in political activities.
Advocate further drew the attention of the Court to the status report filed by Crime Branch Jammu wherein it was categorically mentioned that arrest of other accused Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, the then Secretary JKAACL is still awaited although a series of notices have been issued to him and raids at his residence at Jammu by the Crime Branch, Jammu.
Advocate Shah sought time-bound directions to the Crime Branch so that the investigation which is already concluded gets culminated into the filing of Challan against former Secretary and the beneficiary.
He further submitted that the further investigation on the representation of Manhas is merely eyewash just to derail the investigation in which offences have been prima facia proved against the then Secretary JKAACL and the beneficiary.
After considering the submissions of both the sides, the Special Judge directed the Crime Branch, Jammu to finalize the investigation within a period of one month. (KNT)
KV News
