4 JKAS officers attacked while investigating MGNREGA fraud; journalist among others booked

Four Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers were attacked while probing a suspected fraud under the MGNREGA scheme in the Gharota area. The officers, including Block Development Officers (BDOs) Anjana Sudan, Rishika Shikka, Khalil Ul Rehman, and another officer, were investigating claims that MGNREGA funds were released without any actual work being conducted in Village Chawa.

The officers were assigned by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, to conduct a site inspection and submit a report. During the investigation, journalist Mohammad Afzal arrived and engaged in a verbal altercation with the officers. The situation escalated when Afzal’s associates threw stones at the officers, putting their safety at risk and interrupting the official investigation.

The officers were rescued thanks to the quick response of BDO Bhalwal, who contacted the police, the police official said.

After the officers filed a written complaint with Police Station Gharota, police have booked Mohammad Afzal and others involved in the crime in case FIR number 109/2024 under sections 121(1), 132, 115(2), 125, and 191 BNS and started further investigation into the matter.