90 top officers named in corruption cases since 2019

Srinagar, Feb 9: In a stark revelation reflecting the corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has revealed that one Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and 89 Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officers have been involved in various First Information Reports (FIRs) since 2019.

This alarming statistic was disclosed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query seeking details on the number of officers involved in corruption-related cases during this period.

As per the ACB’s records, a significant 515 corruption cases have been registered from 2019 to 2024. Since 2019, 89 KAS officers, along with one IAS officer, have been named in these FIRs, indicating a concerning trend of misconduct within the bureaucratic structure.

The breakdown of registered cases reveals fluctuating levels of corruption and accountability over the years.

In 2019, the ACB registered 73 cases, with 30 subsequently challaned and four resulting in convictions. The following year saw a slight dip, with 71 cases registered, 48 challenged, and only two ending in conviction.

The year 2021 marked a significant drop in the number of cases, with only nine registered.

However, it still saw a notable number of 52 cases challenged and three resulting in convictions.

A surge was observed in 2022, with a staggering 128 cases registered, 51 challenged, but only two leading to a conviction.

The trend continued in 2023, with 62 cases registered, and while 80 cases were challaned, eight ended in conviction.

The year 2024 registered 87 cases and 31 were challaned.

However, no convictions have been reported during the last year.

This latest data raises serious concerns about corruption within the administrative system in Jammu and Kashmir.

The involvement of high-ranking officials, including an IAS officer, has further fueled public demands for accountability and transparency within the administration.

Critics argue that despite the ACB’s efforts in registering cases, the low conviction rate points to systemic issues that need to be addressed to restore faith in governance and deter corrupt practices.