Govt sacks 4 J&K employees for involvement in NDPS cases

The Government on Wednesday dismissed four employees under Article 311 of the Constitution of India for their “involvement” in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) cases.

Article 311 of the Constitution of India provides for dismissal of a person employed in civil capacities under Union or a State.

The activities of these employees had come to the adverse notice of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as they “not only failed to uphold the standards of integrity and conduct expected of a public servant but has also actively engaged in activities detrimental to public welfare.”

The employees include Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar, Irrigation Division Shopian, Abdul Rashid Bhat, Gang Coolie, Irrigation & Flood Control Division Sumbal, Dilbag Singh, Lineman, Jal Shakti (PHE) Sub-Division, Hiranagar, Gulzar Ahmed, Assistant Motorman, Hydraulic Division Ramban, and Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Gang Coolie, Ferozpora Basin, Irrigation division, Tangmarg.

In case of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, the order reads: “The initial evidence surrounding the case, including actions taken by law enforcement, suggests that the allegations against Sh. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar are both serious and credible.”

The order, a copy of which lies GNS further reads: “As the FIR(—21/2023 u/s 8/15 NDPS-P/S Zainpora) based on reliable source information was registered.

Acting on credible intelligence, Police Station Zainapora conducted a targeted raid at the residence of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, the search operation led to the recovery of 9.9 Kg of Poppy Straw like substance and accordingly FIR bearing No. 21/2023 under NDPS Act was duly registered at Police Station Zainpora.”

During the course of investigation acting on credible intelligence, the order reads, Police Station Zainapora conducted a targeted raid at the residence of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, the search operation led to the recovery of 9.9 Kg of Poppy Straw like substance. “The confiscated material was accordingly forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Srinagar for expert analysis. The FSL. findings conclusively established that the seized material was Poppy Straw like substance. The charge sheet was formally submitted before the Hon'ble Court of Principal Session Judge Shopian on 12.04.2023.”

The possession of illegal substances 9.9 Kg Poppy Straw, the government said, is violation of both the law and the department's core values.

“The potential societal harm, particularly to the younger generation, cannot be ignored. Impact on the Work Environment: The ongoing trial and the associated public attention could lead to disruptions within the Department and can affect other employees morale, and erode trust in leadership,” the order said, adding, “This, in turn could have long-term consequences on the department's internal culture and overall performance.”

In view of the findings, the order reads that it is evident that Gulzar Ahmad Dar has not only failed to uphold the standards of integrity and conduct expected of a public servant but has also actively engaged in activities detrimental to public welfare. “His arrest, seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics (9.9 Kg Poppy Straw) from the possession of the charged official demonstrate a clear intent to operate within an illegal drug network,” the order reads, adding, “His actions pose a grave risk to society, undermining law enforcement efforts and contributing to the spread of narcotics. His actions constitute a direct violation of Rule 3 of the J&K Employees Conduct Rules, 1971, and he poses a significant risk to societal well-being.”(GNS)