The recent arrests of Zahoor Dar, Executive Engineer, and Sajid Yousuf Bhat, Chief Financial Officer, from Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) have exposed a complex web of corruption. Authorities suggest that more arrests could be made as investigations continue.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is thoroughly investigating suspicious financial activities tied to Dar and Bhat, including questionable bank transactions involving their associates and family members. Sources from the ACB revealed that the trail of funds suggests a widespread network benefiting from corrupt practices.
The investigation is focusing on how public funds were misappropriated, with particular attention to the rationale behind various spending decisions. A significant area under investigation is the awarding of contracts for projects purportedly aimed at beautifying Srinagar. Some of these projects were deemed unnecessary or poorly executed, sparking public outrage.
Notably, some beautification initiatives caused road closures, leading to public inconvenience, and the executed designs were later reversed following public complaints. “These beautification projects appear to have been used as a cover for embezzling funds,” an ACB source said, emphasizing that the investigation is aimed at uncovering the full extent of the corruption and identifying all parties involved.
Further investigation has revealed additional individuals, possibly close relatives or associates of Dar and Bhat, who are suspected of benefiting from the misappropriated funds. The ACB is committed to a thorough and unbiased probe, with additional arrests expected as new evidence emerges.