Srinagar, September 26 :The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a departmental inquiry against Public Works Department (PWD) engineer Mubarak Ahmad Ganie. The engineer is facing corruption charges in a case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.Key HighlightsJ&K government ordered a departmental inquiry.The action is against PWD engineer Mubarak Ahmad Ganie.A corruption case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.The departmental probe will follow due process.Departmental Probe Ordered"Mubarak Ahmad Ganie is an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE). He is posted in the PWD (R&B) Division in Sopore."Officials said the department has started proceedings against him in connection with a corruption case. The case was registered by the authorities under the Prevention of Corruption Act.An order from the Public Works (R&B) Department said the action was taken because of the allegations against the officer. The department also noted that a criminal case is pending in the matter.The departmental inquiry will now look at the allegations. It will also examine the events that led to the registration of the case.Inquiry to Check Service RulesThe probe will check whether the officer may have violated service rules or conduct regulations. It will also look at other rules that may apply to the case.Officials said the inquiry will help establish the facts. It will also determine the responsibility of the officer, if any, under the applicable service rules.“Initiation of a departmental inquiry does not amount to a finding of guilt.”The proceedings will follow the prescribed disciplinary process. The government has said that the allegations will be examined through due process.Criminal Case and Departmental ProbeOfficials clarified that a departmental inquiry and a criminal investigation are separate processes. A departmental action can continue while a criminal case is also pending.The case is also linked to an FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) can investigate the criminal case separately.Officials said an ACB investigation does not stop the government from starting departmental proceedings against a public servant.The government said such action is part of its disciplinary system. It is used to examine allegations of misconduct, corruption and violations of official conduct.The department has directed that the inquiry be carried out according to the relevant rules and procedures. The final outcome will depend on the findings of the ongoing proceedings.Also Read : J&K Statehood Resolution: Omar Abdullah Faces BJP Protest Over Autonomy Reference
