Srinagar, Oct 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (JKACB) on Thursday announced that former Junior Engineer of the Rural Development Department, Sonaullah Wani, has been convicted in a forgery and corruption case.
In a statement, the agency said that the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama, Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir, delivered the verdict in the long-pending case, convicting Wani—who was then serving as a Junior Engineer in the Rural Development Department—under FIR No. 24/2000 registered by the Vigilance Organization Kashmir (now ACB). The charges included Sections 420, 467, and 471 of the RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006.
The investigation revealed that Wani had forged his matriculation certificate and service book, fraudulently altering his date of birth from June 8, 1940, to June 8, 1945. As a result, he overstayed in government service by 21 months and unlawfully drew a salary of ₹2,62,760, causing an equivalent loss to the state exchequer. Forensic examination confirmed the forgery of signatures and seals, while verification from the J&K Board of School Education established his actual date of birth.
Following a full trial, the court found the ACB’s case proven beyond reasonable doubt based on documentary, expert, and oral evidence. Wani was sentenced to seven years of simple imprisonment and fined ₹3,52,760. He was subsequently lodged in Central Jail, Srinagar.
The Bureau stated that the conviction underscores its firm commitment to combating corruption and upholding integrity in public service, reaffirming its resolve to bring all individuals misusing public office to justice.
