Srinagar: An irrigation employee from South Kashmir’s Shopian district has been terminated from services for his involvement in illegal narcotic activities
“Whereas, Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar, Irrigation Division Shopian was involved in FIR No. 21/2023 u/s 8/15 of NDPS Act in connection with the recovery of 9.9 Kg of Poppy Straw like substance from his possession and was arrested for narcotic-related crimes, and remained in judicial custody with effect from 01.04.2023 to 01.05.2023 (01 month); and the said official was placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division Shopian vide Order No. 600-04 Dated 01.05.2023 in terms of Rule 31of J&K Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, from the date the official was arrested; and the Home Department vide OM No. HOME-ISA/239/2024 (CC No 7495780) Dated 02.07.2024 has forwarded Communication of Crime Branch, J&K vide No. CHQ/39/9th-NCORD/7010-1 Dated 04.06.2024 with advise to initiate departmental action against Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar, involved in NDPS cases (figuring at Sr. No. 11 in the aforesaid list); and vide this department letter dated 02.07.2024, Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir was requested to initiate the action taken against the said employee involved in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance case and furnish a detailed report in the matter; and Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir vide No. CE/IFCK/Estt/15704-06 Dated 18.12.2024 served Memorandum, Article of Charges and Statement of Imputations to Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar to furnish the written statement of defense within a period of 15 days on the charges leveled against him. In response, the charged official furnished his reply in defense; and, Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir vide Order No. CE/IFCK/Estt/17822-26 dated 25.01.2025 appointed an Inquiry Officer to enquire into the charges levelled against Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar, who was found involved in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance; and Inquiry Officer vide letter No. I&FCD/GBL/8805-07 dated 19.02.2025, directed the Charged Official to appear/present himself before the Inquiry Officer on 21.02.2025 at 1:00 PM in the office of Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir to provide clarification, if any and defend his position regarding the charges leveled against him.” Reads the order Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, a copy of which lies with JKNS.
“Whereas, Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, vide letter No. CE/ IFCK/19741-42 dated 25.02.2025, endorsed the recommendations of the Inquiry Officer and has recommended that termination proceedings be initiated forthwith to bring the matter to its logical conclusion; and the matter has been examined in detail in the department and in light of the irrefutable evidence, including forensic confirmations, Police investigations, arrest, custodial detention, and pending criminal trial, it has become evident that Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar has engaged in illegal narcotic activities, making his continued association with the government detrimental to the public interest.” It reads further.
“Whereas, the case of Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar was placed before the Competent Authority for acceptance of the report of the Inquiry Officer and the Competent Authority has, after due consideration, in exercise of the powers vested under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India, decided to impose the penalty of dismissal from the service of the State which ordinarily disqualifies him from future employment, as his continued employment poses a grave risk to public welfare and erodes trust in government institutions.” It states further.
“Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered that in terms of Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India, Shri Gulzar Ahmad Dar, S/o Abdul Rehman Dar, Ro Khojpora, Shopian, Jamadar, Irrigation Division Shopian, presently under suspension, is hereby dismissed from service, with immediate effect. He is also disqualified from any future employment with the government.” The other states further.—(JKNS)
