Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 30: The High Court has sought status of investigation about First Information Report (FIR) registered in embezzlement of funds meant for construction of road from Sumbal to Bandipora in North Kashmir.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe directed the Vigilance Organization of Kashmir to report to the Court about the status of FIR as registered in embezzlement of funds which were sanctioned for the construction and widening of road from Sumbal to Bandipora.
The direction came to be passed in a PIL filed by Civil Society Tral for road widening and repairing of dilapidated roads in South Kashmir and the court has widened the scope of the said PIL for all the roads in Kashmir province.
Court during the hearing of the case, besides appraisal of road condition has been informed that the funds which were meant for the construction of Sumbal to Bandipora were embezzled as such the road remained as it was.
After this information, the Court observed that a report be called from Vigilance Organization (Kashmir) Srinagar on the FIR; investigation thereon and as to whether the charge sheet has
been filed. “Let a copy of the FIR be placed before us. The details of the persons, who have been charge sheeted shall also be indicated in the status report”, court further directed.
Court, meantime, directed Public Works Department through its counsel to file a status report regarding the repairs of the stretch of road between Sumbal to Bandipora.
Meanwhile, Counsel for the petitioner has been directed to file the response to the status report with regard to the portions of the National Highway NH-44 between Banihal and Srinagar as well as the link roads which are under the management of R&B Department of the Jammu and Kashmir.
Court further said, in case the condition of the roads is as complained, the respondents will take all necessary steps for expediting the repairs as are required.
Follow our WhatsApp channel