SVC orders probe against former J&K official

The State Vigilance Commission (SVC) today ordered a probe against former director of Urban Local Bodies Kashmir for "misusing" his official position and causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.
"The registration of a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) has been ordered against Ex-Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Shameen Ahmed Laharwal", a senior SVC official said.
The SVC while taking cognisance of a complaint, has found abuse of official position and huge loss to the State exchequer in the case, he said.
While finalizing a contract for Octroi Post at Budgam, Laharwal rejected the recommendations of the then Executive Officer, Municipal Committee, Budgam for awarding contract to Ayaz Ahmad Parray who emerged as a successful bidder and offered the highest bid of Rs 31.13 lakhs for managing the Post for the year 2012-13, the official said.

The accused official disregarded the recommendations and arbitrarily changed the procedure of allotment and offered the same contract to Ali Mohammad Sheikh for an amount of Rs 18.39 lakhs.
The respondent also placed various subordinate officials under suspension arbitrarily from time to time and reinstated them within days without justifiable reasons, he said.
Accordingly, the Commission has ordered for registration of a regular Preliminary Enquiry and asked the Director Vigilance to complete the probe immediately, the official added.