Fresh arrests take total number of accused held in ongoing ACB probe higher; wider conspiracy under scanner
Srinagar, July 27: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested 12 more persons in connection with the alleged Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services (FES) recruitment paper leak scam, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile recruitment fraud.
According to official sources, the arrests were made during the investigation of FIR No. 01/2025, registered to probe the alleged leakage of the recruitment examination paper and the larger criminal conspiracy behind the irregularities. The accused were taken into custody following sustained investigation and collection of evidence.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Abdul Majid Ganie of Chadoora (Budgam), Bilal Ahmad Halwai of Bijbehara (Anantnag), Irshad-ul-Hamid Hakeem of Hajin (Bandipora), Shahnawaz Ahmad Khan of Sumbal (Bandipora), Ali Mohammad Bhat of Chadoora (Budgam), Shabir Ahmad Malik of Soibugh (Budgam), Mohammad Akram Bhat of Dharmunna (Budgam), Mushtaq Ahmad Rathi of Tangmarg, Sameer Ullah Rather of Chadoora (Budgam), Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Kakapora (Pulwama), Zaker Hussain of Phagsoo (Doda), and Sanjay Datta of Jammu.
Officials said the latest arrests are part of the ACB’s continuing efforts to unravel the entire network involved in the alleged paper leak, identify all beneficiaries, and establish the role of each accused in compromising the integrity of the recruitment process.
The investigating agency has indicated that the probe is progressing on multiple fronts and that further arrests, searches, and legal action cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to examine evidence and trace the broader conspiracy.(KNC)
