Govt’s anti-graft drive proves hoax, as most ‘corrupt officers get bureaucratic shield’

Srinagar, Sep 20 : Even as the Vigilance Organization has recovered nearly eighteen million worth deposits and property worth millions from the Chief Engineer of UEED Mohammad Haneef Lone , the tainted officer surprisingly continues to hold on to his chair with Government failing to even attach him to the least.
The courtesy for him to continue to head the department despite such a huge recovery goes to his Commissioner Secretary and other higher authorities of Housing and Urban local bodies. Ironically his continuation of holding on to the chair is in serious contravention to government CSR 31 which warrants his immediate suspension following the registration of FIR by VOK.
Sources told KNS that Consequent upon the registration of FIR Vide Number 29/2018 for possession of disproportionate assets and subsequent multiple raids on the various residential premises of Lone, the VOK has freezed more than 18 million rupees bank and other deposits of the accused besides having found immovable properties worth millions.
Sources revealed that the tainted Chief Engineer had scores of bank accounts most of which he even himself did not remember.
Vigilance sources said that the investigation till date revealed that the tainted CE hailing from Gurez in district Bandipora, has purchased various properties besides having bank deposits and multiple accounts.
If sources are to be believed, Lone possesses 01 kanal land at Rawalpora, 02 Kanals at Mujgund, HMT ( Srinagar), 01 Kanal at Bandipora, Flat at Gulposh Apartments Bemina, Flat at Tawi Apartments Sidra Jammu, Flat at Royal Apartments at Talab Tillo Jammu and also has five personal cars in his possession. The sources added that they were expecting to dig out more properties from the accused Chief Engineer in the coming days.
However, what has made the case more interesting is that the accused lone is still functioning as Chief Engineer UEED obviously by the blessings of his immediate officers who look to have overlooked the seizure of such a huge haul of money and property. Sources in the VOK said that a letter was shot to the administrative department of Housing and urban local bodies urging them to put the tainted officer under suspension in accordance with the CSR 31 (b).
As per the CSR 31 (b),
The appointing Authority or any authority to which it si subordinate or any other authority empowered by the Government in this behalf, may place a government servant under suspension where,
(a) An inquiry into his conduct is contemplated or is pending, or
(b) A complaint against him of any criminal offence is under investigation or trial.
The sources said despite investigations of huge disproportionate assets going on against Lone, none of the authorities in the government have taken a call and placed him under suspension as per law which would have allowed the anti graft body to carry on the investigations without any interruptions and influence. They added that he could not be arrested due to his medical complications but added that putting him under suspension was inevitable as he can destroy many evidences while continuing to remain in chair.