The Crime Branch of Kashmir has taken significant steps in a case of alleged caste manipulation and fraud in Kulgam. On October 5, 2023, the Special Crime Wing (Crime Branch) Srinagar presented a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Court of Anti Corruption Court Anantnag against three individuals. They are accused of being involved in a scheme to manipulate caste details and obtain fraudulent benefits.
The case, originating from a complaint by the then Zonal Education Officer Kulgam, revolves around the appointment of one Rashid-Ul-Hassan Gojjar as a teacher through the Service Selection Board. This appointment was made in 2007 under the reserved category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Gojjar had submitted various certificates, including ST, PRC, and DOB Certificates, at the time.
However, a closer examination revealed a discrepancy. While the DOB certificate mentioned his caste as “Wagay,” it contradicted the caste mentioned in his PRC and ST certificates, which indicated “Gojjar.” Following this complaint, the Crime Branch initiated a preliminary verification.
During the course of their investigation, it was revealed that the accused Gojjar, in collaboration with retired revenue officials, had managed to change his caste from “Wagay” to “Gojjar.” This was done through a fraudulent mutation (Mutation No. 391/1) at the Tehsil Office Kulgam. The accused officials abused their positions and engaged in a criminal conspiracy to prepare a false and fake mutation, subsequently issuing a fake Schedule Tribe Certificate to Gojjar.
These actions allowed Gojjar to secure his appointment as a teacher in District Kulgam under the ST Category, effectively committing offenses under various sections of the RPC and the PC Act. Based on the gathered evidence, the investigation has concluded, and the accused now face charges under sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, 120-B RPC, and 5(2) PC Act.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the appointment process and the severe consequences for those involved in fraudulent activities.
