Fake Complaint Scandal Rocks J&K Administration: Senior Officer Under Investigation
FIR Registered ,Balvinder Singh renowned RTI Activist Demands Stern Departmental Action Against Joint Director Handloom Kulraj Singh .
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh January 19,2025 ||
JAMMU:A high-profile case of fraud and impersonation has come to light involving senior public officials in Jammu and Kashmir. Prominent RTI activist and President of the Sikh Progressive Front, Balvinder Singh, exposed the fraudulent actions of a senior JKAS officer Kulraj Singh who allegedly filed a false complaint using a fake email ID created in Singh’s name.
False Allegations to Defame: A Shocking Discovery
Singh recounted his shock upon being summoned by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu, regarding a complaint he purportedly filed against a fellow JKAS officer. He categorically denied involvement, leading to an investigation that uncovered a fabricated email ID used to lodge the baseless complaint. The fraud aimed to malign the reputation of both Singh as an activist and the officer targeted in the complaint.
Formal Complaint Leads to FIR:
On October 4, 2023, Singh filed a complaint at the Cyber Police Station, Gandhi Nagar, requesting an investigation into the identity of the impersonator. After over a year of determined efforts, an FIR (No. 25/2024) was registered on December 24, 2024, under Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act and Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation traced the fraudulent activity to Sh. Kulraj Singh, a JKAS officer serving as Joint Director Handloom , and his accomplice, Joshi Kumari, wife of Romesh Kumar of Dogra Hall. Evidence provided by Google Inc. and telecom service providers confirmed their involvement.
Legal Developments: Bail Granted Under Conditions
Both accused surrendered to the court and were granted interim anticipatory bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, effective until January 31, 2025. The bail was granted under specific conditions, including cooperation with the investigation, avoiding evidence tampering, and remaining within the court’s jurisdiction.
Balvinder Singh’s Call for Accountability:
Condemning the actions of the accused, Singh emphasized the need for strict administrative action to uphold the integrity of public service. “Such behavior by public servants is not just unethical but damages the trust citizens place in the administrative system. Stern action is essential to deter such misconduct in the future,” Singh stated.
He appealed to Lieutenant Governor J&K, Sh. Manoj Sinha, Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir UT, Chief Secretary J&K, and Commissioner Secretary GAD to take stringent measures against the accused officer. Singh also urged the administration to issue a circular categorizing impersonation, misuse of digital identities, and filing of false complaints as severe breaches of conduct under service rules.
Details of the FIR and Investigation:
The complaint filed by Singh revealed that a fraudulent email ID—balvindersinghrti65@gmail.com—was created to file a false complaint on his behalf. A preliminary inquiry led by Inspector Rakesh Kumar established a cognizable offense, resulting in the registration of the FIR.
The investigation, now spearheaded by Inspector Gagandeep Singh, is focused on gathering additional evidence while ensuring the accused comply with court-imposed conditions.
Community Backing and Public Support:
Members of the Sikh Progressive Front, including General Secretary S. Manjit Singh and Vice President S. Rajinder Singh Sudan, expressed solidarity with Singh during a press conference. They highlighted the need for systemic reforms to prevent misuse of digital platforms for personal vendettas.
Next Steps and Anticipations:
With the interim bail set to expire on January 31, 2025, the focus will be on:
Further Investigations: Ensuring comprehensive evidence collection to support prosecution.
Administrative Action: Awaiting the response from the Lieutenant Governor and other authorities regarding punitive measures against Kulraj Singh JKAS Officer.
Judicial Developments: Monitoring the next court hearing for potential revocation of bail or further legal proceedings.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service:
This case is a watershed moment in highlighting the need for accountability and ethical conduct among public officials. Balvinder Singh’s efforts not only bring justice closer for this particular case but also shed light on systemic vulnerabilities that must be addressed.
As Singh aptly stated, “The administrative system must act decisively to restore public trust. Justice delayed is justice denied—not just for me but for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The exposure of this fraudulent case underscores the importance of safeguarding the integrity of governance and protecting individuals from malicious impersonation. Balvinder Singh’s fight for justice serves as a crucial reminder of the need for stringent legal and administrative measures against such misconduct. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the administration’s response to this glaring breach of trust.
