CBI Raids J&K Labour Secretary’s Office Over Corruption Charges
Crackdown on Bureaucratic Corruption Intensifies in Kashmir
||Black and White Digital News ||
||February 19,2025 ||
Srinagar : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a high-profile raid on the office of Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary of Labour and Employment Development, Jammu & Kashmir, at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The move is part of an ongoing probe into corruption allegations against the senior bureaucrat. A joint team from CBI’s Chandigarh and Srinagar units led the operation.
According to official sources, the case is registered under FIR No. RC0512025S0003, dated February 17, 2025. The legal provisions invoked include:
Section 5(2) read with 5(1)(e) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006 – pertaining to possession of disproportionate assets beyond known sources of income.
Section 109 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) – dealing with abetment of an offense.
What Prompted the Raid?
While CBI officials have not disclosed full details, sources indicate that the investigation centers around alleged financial irregularities involving public funds. The bureau is reportedly examining whether Ranjan misused his position to amass assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The timing of the raid suggests a larger anti-corruption drive within Jammu & Kashmir’s bureaucracy. Over the past few years, several high-ranking officials have come under scrutiny for financial misconduct, particularly after the region’s special status was revoked in 2019 and the administration came under direct central oversight.
Search Operations & Evidence Collection:
As of the latest updates, the searches were still ongoing. CBI officers were seen examining key documents, financial records, and digital data from Ranjan’s office. It is expected that officials will soon analyze bank transactions, property records, and other financial dealings.
The Labour and Employment Department in J&K plays a critical role in welfare schemes, employment generation programs, and worker benefits. Any financial mismanagement in this department could have significant ramifications, potentially affecting thousands of beneficiaries.
Wider Implications & Political Reactions:
This raid comes at a time when the central government has been aggressively pushing for bureaucratic accountability in Jammu & Kashmir. Over the past few years, multiple government officials have been investigated for misuse of funds, irregularities in contracts, and bribes.
Key Implications:
1. Administrative Accountability – The action sends a strong message that bureaucratic corruption will not be tolerated.
2. Impact on Governance – If proven guilty, the case could expose deeper financial irregularities in J&K’s labour department.
3. Political Repercussions – While some see this as a genuine anti-corruption measure, opposition parties may allege political targeting.
What Happens Next?
The next steps in the investigation could include:
• Forensic analysis of the documents and electronic records seized.
• Questioning of Kumar Rajeev Ranjan and potentially other officials linked to the case.
• Possible expansion of the probe if evidence suggests a wider nexus of corruption.
The case will be closely monitored as it unfolds. If charges are proven, it could lead to major administrative shake-ups in the Jammu & Kashmir government.
More such raids are expecting in Jammu as well basis corruption complaints coming from the public .
