Despite ongoing investigation since 2017: ACB gives NOC to ‘tainted’ Ashok Kikloo
Despite conducting verification into involvement of the then Executive Engineer (XEn) Relief Organisation Jammu, Ashok Kumar Kikloo, now Chief Engineer, PWD Jammu, in misappropriation of government funds, the (SVO) now J&K Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) had issued non objection certificate in favour of the above-named public servant in February 2020, however, the ACB in December month of same year, in reply of a RTI application had said that the verification No. JSK-116/2017.
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“Refer to your RTI application received vide this office GRC No. 3360 dated 10/02/2021. In this regard, the copy of vigilance clearance dated 25/02/2020 issued in respect of Ashok Kumar Kikloo I/c SE Jammu University and others is enclosed herewith”, replied the CPIO ACB J&K vide No. ACB/RTI/ CPIO/ 33271 dated 16/02/2021. Meanwhile, in reply to another RTI, provided by Sr.PO, CPIO, ACB J&K, vide no ACB/RTI/CPIO/18579, dated 10/12/2020 informed that the verification no. JSK-116/2017 initiated against Ashok Kikloo, the then Executive Engineer, Relief Organisation Jammu and other is still under probe in JKS ACBJ Branch. Here it is relevant to mention that the verification has not been completed by the investigation agency after lapse of more than four years, when it begun in 2017, after huge hue and cry in the both houses of erstwhile J&K State in 2017. The state government had ordered an inquiry into alleged misappropriation of funds for various civil works executed in Migrants colonies by the Relief Organisation (M) Jammu.
It was also alleged that Mr. Kikloo the then Executive Engineer, Relief Organization Jammu allotted civil works worth crore of rupees on exorbitant rates causing huge loss to state exchequer. This scribe has highlighted burning issues of internally displaced Kashmir Pandit Community in past as well, and had taken up this matter with the Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, Shailendra Kumar, who instead of taking actions as per against the corrupt officer, regularized the services of accused engineer as Chief Engineer. It was not first instance when funds meant for the welfare of Kashmir Pandits leaving in migrants Colonies were misappropriated and the accused went Scot free, but it had happened in past as well, when hundreds of crores rupees was siphoned off in construction of Jagti Town ship.
Note: a complaint has been lodged with JK-Grievance-Cell vide no. 999002213536 dated on 15th July 2021
