Accused to undergo seven years simple imprisonment and imposed fine of ₹352,760/-
Srinagar,23-10-025:
The Hon’ble Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama, Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir, delivered a significant judgment in a long-pending corruption case and convicted Sonaullah Wani, then serving as Junior Engineer, in Rural Development Department. The case, registered under FIR No. 24/2000 of P/S Vigilance Organization Kashmir (now ACB), for offences under Sections 420, 467, 471 RPC read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006.
Investigation conducted by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir revealed that the accused had forged his Matriculation certificate and service Book, fraudulently altering his date of birth from 08.06.1940 to 08.06.1945, thereby overstaying in Government service for 21 months and drawing undue salary amounting to ₹2,62,760, causing equivalent loss to the State exchequer. Expert examination by the Forensic Science Laboratory,
Srinagar confirmed forgery of signatures and seals, while verification from the J&K Board of School Education established his actual date of birth.
After a full trial, the Hon’ble Court held that the ACB had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt through convincing documentary, expert and oral evidence and consequently sentenced the accused to undergo seven years simple imprisonment and imposed fine of ₹352,760/- and ordered his lodgement at Central Jail Srinagar.
This conviction stands as a testament to the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting integrity in public administration. The Bureau reiterates its resolve to bring to justice all those who misuse public office for personal gain.