Srinagar, Mar 26 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday carried out searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts in connection with an alleged high-value COVID-era procurement fraud involving the siphoning of crores of rupees through impersonation and forged documents, officials said.
The was conducted in connection with FIR No. 11/2026 registered at Police Station EOW Srinagar under relevant sections of the IPC, including cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act, they said.
According to officials, the case was initiated following a complaint filed by a Delhi-based firm, M/s Sanjay Trading Company, through its proprietor Sanjay Kumar Sahu. The complainant alleged that two Srinagar residents had fraudulently induced the firm on the pretext of arranging procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons allegedly impersonated government officials, posed as authorised representatives, and issued fake allotment orders of various government departments to gain the trust of the firm. They are also accused of creating fake email IDs and opening fraudulent bank accounts in the name of the complainant firm to divert funds.
Officials said the accused allegedly managed to obtain substantial funds, including money linked to the office of the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, and also attempted to siphon off crores from Government Medical College, Srinagar.
Searches were conducted to seize incriminating material, including digital devices and financial records, as part of the ongoing probe, they added.
Further investigation in the case is underway, officials said.(NVI)
