DA case: ACB searches various premises of then DMO Kathua, his relatives, friends

JAMMU: A team of J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have conducted searches in the premises of then District mining officer, Kathua, along with his friends and relatives, for his alleged involvement in corrupt practices and acquiring Disproportionate Assets (DA)/benami assets worth crores of rupees.
The official spokesman here on Sunday said that a secret verification conducted by the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the source report has revealed that one Bodh Raj, resident of NaterKothian, Muthi Jammu, while posted as District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kathua, has indulged in corrupt practices and acquired benami assets worth crores of rupees in the name of his family members and relatives, which are disproportionate to his known sources of income.
“Accordingly, a case was registered and an investigation was taken up.”
Official spokesperson said, “During the course of the investigation, much evidence was collected which established transactions in lakhs of rupees in the accounts of close relatives and friends, and the accused is being facilitated by his close relatives and friends in parking money and other investments.”
“In order to lay hands on incriminating documents and material pertinent to the investigation of the instant case, there is every apprehension and suspicion that important documents and material pertaining to the instant case may exist in these premises, houses of these relatives and friends.”
“Accordingly, search warrants were obtained from the competent court of law, and searches were conducted at multiple locations in Jammu and Kathua,” the ACB spokesperson added.
On August 30, last year, the Jammu and Kashmir Mining Department ordered the suspension of the former District Mineral Officer (DMO) of Kathua district Bodh Raj with immediate effect in terms of Rule 31 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
Earlier J&K ACB Jammu wing has registered two cases against then DMO Kathua, one related to Disproportionate Assets (DA) after conducting searches at seven locations including his residence and at M/s Magnum Stone Crusher at Pandori, Kathua, M/s Satguru Stone Crusher at Madheen, Kathua and also at the residence of his close relatives on whose names benami property has been raised by the suspect and another for manipulating official record and allowing stone crusher owners for illegal mining of areas without permission on August 28 and 29 respectively.