J&K ACB Files Disproportionate Assets Case Against former DMO Kathua, Conducts Searches

Jammu August 27:Based on a specific input, a secret verification was conducted by Anti Corruption Bureau into the allegations of possession of huge disproportionate assets by Bodh Raj S/o Chuni Lal R/o Nater Kothian, Muthi, Jammu, then District Mining Officer (DMO), Kathua. The verification revealed huge assets in the shape of plots, houses, business partnerships including Benami properties, partnership in crushers, bank accounts etc. in his name as well as in the name of his close relatives and associates/friends, which were found highly disproportionate to his known sources of income. Besides these properties he was also having high value transactions in his bank accounts.

On the basis of the verification conducted, a prima facie case of criminal misconduct was found made out against the accused DMO Bodh Raj, under offences punishable U/s 13(1)(b) r/w section 13 (2) of PC Act 1988, as such, a formal case FIR No. 08/2024 was registered at PS ACB Central for investigation.

During the course of investigation searches were conducted at the business premises and residential houses of the accused and his relatives and associates at Jammu, Kathua and Gurdaspur(Punjab) after obtaining warrants for conducting searches from the Hon’ble court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu.

The ACB teams conducted searches at 07 different locations including his Residential house at Muthi, Jammu, M/s Magnum Stone Crusher at Pandori, Kathua, M/s Satguru Stone Crusher at Madheen, Kathua and also at the residence of his close relatives on whose names benami property has been raised by the suspect. During the search incriminating material including Revenue papers and financial/bank documents were recovered and seized as evidence in the instant case.

Further investigation of the case is going on.