Srinagar, Mar 26: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday terminated the services of four employees due to their involvement in the narcotics trade.
The dismissed employees are Abdul Rashid Bhat, a Gang Coolie in the Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Sumbal; Dilbag Singh, a Lineman in the Jal Shakti (PHE) Sub-Division, Hiranagar; Gulzar Ahmed, an Assistant Motorman in the Hydraulic Division, Ramban; and Noor Mohammad Sheikh, a Gang Coolie in the Ferozpora Basin, Irrigation Division, Tangmarg.
Specific cases include Abdul Rashid Bhat, from whom 1.5 kilograms of ganja were recovered, leading to his judicial custody from August 5, 2022, to October 31, 2022.
Similarly, Dilbag Singh was found in possession of 500 grams of heroin and was in judicial custody from November 17, 2020, to May 25, 2024.
The government said that such actions are part of a broader effort to ensure that public servants adhere to the law and maintain the integrity expected of them.
Investigations conducted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act revealed their connections to the narcotics trade, leading to the registration of cases against them in their respective areas.
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, the Union Territory’s administration has exercised powers under Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution to dismiss government employees involved in activities detrimental to national security, including terrorism, anti-national actions, drug smuggling, and hawala rackets.
The provision allows for the dismissal of civil servants without a prior inquiry if the President or Governor is satisfied that such action is necessary for the state’s security.
