Smart City, Smarter Scams: ACB Cracks Down on Corruption, Unmasks Lavish Lifestyles of Officials

Srinagar, Jan 10: A major corruption scandal has emerged within Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) launching investigations into two senior officials accused of accumulating wealth through illicit means.

In a press conference held in Jammu and virtually in Srinagar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Waheed Ahmad Shah revealed that the ACB had received multiple complaints regarding the two accused officers—Executive Engineer Zahoor Ahmed Dar, a resident of Ghalib Abad Shalteng Srinagar and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sajid Yousuf Bhat, a resident of Namlabal Pampore, now residing in Daulat Abad Khanyar Srinagar.

The complaints highlighted the officials’ extravagant lifestyles, which appeared disproportionate to their declared income sources.

After a thorough investigation, the ACB substantiated the allegations, registering FIRs against both officials and conducting search operations at various properties connected to them.

SSP Waheed Shah explained that Sajid Yousuf Bhat was found to own a commercial property in Ram Bagh, Srinagar, valued much higher than what was stated in the sale deed. Investigations also revealed several bank accounts under his name, displaying suspicious transactions indicative of potential corrupt activities.

As for Executive Engineer Zahoor Ahmed Dar, the investigation uncovered ownership of a lavish multi-storey house in Ghalib Abad, Shalteng, along with a luxury sedan. 

It was also revealed that Dar had been involved in dubious financial activities, with questionable transactions occurring in both his and his spouse’s bank accounts. The ACB also identified illegal Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) linked to him.

The SSP emphasized that these officials exploited their positions for personal gain. The ACB’s investigation is ongoing, with teams examining properties and financial records to uncover the full scale of the corruption.

Against Majid Yousuf, FIR No. 01/2025 has been registered against him under sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Similarly, Zahoor Ahmad Dar, a resident of Takinwaripora Srinagar and presently living in Galibabad Lane No. 5, Shalteng, Srinagar, owns a luxurious multi-storied house, a sedan car, and has conducted suspicious transactions in his personal and spouse’s bank accounts. 

Allegations of benami properties and large fixed deposits have also surfaced. FIR No. 02/2025 has been registered against him under similar provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. ACB said in a statement issued to Associated News Bureau

SEARCHES IN PROGRESS:
Search warrants obtained from the Court have led to raids at seven locations linked to the accused individuals. As of now, investigations are ongoing to gather more evidence and trace additional assets.

MATERIAL MISAPPROPRIATION UNDER LENS:
In a separate development, inputs suggest large-scale misappropriation of materials such as Devari stones, worth crores, during the execution of the Srinagar Smart City Project. It is alleged that the material was sold in the open market for personal gains. A probe has been ordered to verify these claims.

The ACB has assured that the investigation will be thorough, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of corrupt practices.