CBI initiates 4 preliminary enquiries into Roshni scam

New Delhi, December 4

Widening its probe into Roshni scam cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the CBI has registered four preliminary enquiries (PE) into the alleged non-compliance of high court directives by officials of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and others to “cover up” the complicity in illegal acts of encroachment of land.

The first enquiry registered by the CBI relates to the matter pertaining to the encroachment on 784 kanals, 17 marla land in Gole, Jammu tehsil ,which was transferred to the JDA. A preliminary enquiry is the first step initiated by the CBI to assess criminality in prima facie allegations levelled by a complainant. If the allegations appear to be serious, the agency proceeds with an FIR or else the PE is closed.

On April 24, 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had directed the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Srinagar, Budgam and Pulwama districts to submit the compliance report on handing over the relevant record of the case to the vigilance director, who was enquiring the matter.

In spite of subsequent repeated directives of the High Court, no action was initiated by the competent authorities. “The above court proceedings establish the reluctance of these senior officers and all authorities to assist the inquiry. The reluctance in fact tantamount to obstruction and preventing disclosure of the truth to protect law breakers and facilitate misappropriation of public properties,” the high court had noted. — PTI