F&E recruitment: ACB Investigation reveals irregularities

Srinagar, July 1: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has revealed “certain irregularities” and suspected financial dealings in the recruitment of Firemen and Fireman Drivers of 2020 in the Fire and Emergency Services Department.A case was registered by the Police Station Central ACB on January 1, 2025, in FIR No. 01/2025, the agency stated on Tuesday.Based on the ACB, initial checking showed that certain candidates were wrongly chosen in the recruitment, and accordingly, a formal case was registered for further investigation. The investigation will now concentrate on tracing the financial trail associated with the selections as well as the role of middlemen, the ACB spokesperson said.The probe is concentrating on following money trails and unmasking the extent of the irregularities. “Identification of wrongfully selected candidates and examination of their bank transaction history to trace the money trail” is one of the priorities, the Bureau added.The agency is also investigating the involvement of touts or middlemen who are reportedly making these selections in return for money. “Identification of touts/middlemen through whom the money of the wrongly selected candidates has routed and study of their bank transactions” is being done in order to trace the culprits up the ladder.The hiring process in question entailed the recruitment of about 700 candidates, and hence, the investigation is both bulky and time-consuming. The ACB has said that a number of documents are being examined in order to identify all the wrong picks as well as comprehend the modus operandi adopted.“All these processes are tedious and time-consuming and are to be meticulously taken,” the agency said. However, it added that the ACB is “vigorously working on it” and is committed to delivering justice by completing the investigation at the earliest.The 2020 Fireman and Fireman Driver recruitment process was criticized soon after the selection results were declared, with several aspirants accusing backdoor selections and meddling with the selection list. Protests were held in Jammu and Srinagar, with aspirants consistently calling for an open inquiry.After massive protests, the Jammu and Kashmir administration referred the issue to the ACB for prima facie verification. Internal reports allegedly indicated procedural irregularities in addition to nepotism.Though the list was reviewed, it was never formally cancelled, leading to further protests by the aspirants, many of whom presented themselves as victims of corruption in the process.The ACB has guaranteed that it is conducting the investigation with proper care and that all sides, including financial channels and involvement of intermediaries, will be examined in detail.”There are some allegations that require thorough investigation,” the statement added, adding that the intricate nature of the scam takes time but will not hamper justice. The agency has not yet named any of the accused but has indicated that “culprits at the highest level” might be revealed as the probe continues.