Jammu and Kashmir Government Suspends Section Officer Following CBI Investigation

Jammu/Srinagar, March 12 : The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued an order suspending Mr. Asif Ahmad Bhat, a Section Officer in the Agriculture Production Department (Animal/Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries), effective March 7, 2025. This action follows the registration of an FIR by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Jammu.

The suspension order, issued by Principal Secretary to the Government, Agriculture Production Department, Mr. Shailendra Kumar, IAS, cites FIR No. RC0042025A0002 dated March 5, 2025, and subsequent communication from the CBI, as the basis for the decision. The suspension is in accordance with Rule 31(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, pending an inquiry into the matter.

The order, numbered 113-JK(APD) of 2025, was issued on March 11, 2025. It states that Mr. Bhat is placed under suspension 48 hours after his arrest.

The copies of the order have been disseminated to various officials, including the Joint Secretary (J&K), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, and the Deputy Superintendent of Police & Investigating Officer, CBI, ACB, Jammu, among others.

The government has also directed the I/C Website to upload the order on the official website.