SRINAGAR: Two individuals have been charged in connection with a fake gun license scam, as revealed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court.
The accused, identified as Sajid Iqbal Zargar, a Judicial Clerk, and Vijay Kumar Khajuria, a Gun House dealer, had charges framed against them by Special Judge Bala Joyti of CBI Jammu.
The case originated from a CBI investigation following a notification issued on October 5 2018, under Section 5 of the DSPE Act, 1946, by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training), Government of India, in coordination with the State government of Jammu and Kashmir, Home Department. The investigation was prompted by FIR No 11 of 2018, dated May 17th 2018, filed at Police Station Vigilance Organization Jammu (VOJ).
According to the prosecution’s claims, during the period from 2012 to 2016, Deputy Commissioners from various districts, including DC Doda, conspired with private individuals to unlawfully issue gun licenses. These licenses were obtained by flouting regulations and rules, with bribes being exchanged. The accused face charges under Section 5(2) of the P.C. Act Svt. 2006, read with Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1962. The FIR was lodged at Police Station VOJ.
It is alleged that the deceased licensing authority, along with Vijay Kumar Khajuria, the Gun House Dealer, and Sajid Iqbal Zargar, a Judicial Clerk working in the office of DM Doda, engaged in a criminal conspiracy to issue arms licenses illegally. These licenses were granted to ineligible individuals who were neither residents nor posted in the jurisdiction of District “Doda.” Middlemen and gun dealers enticed defense personnel stationed in far-flung areas, offering them arms licenses from “J&K” in exchange for money.
The licensing authority failed to conduct the necessary police verifications or inquiries, blatantly violating the Arms Act and rules. With the complicity of middlemen and gun houses, multiple arms licenses were unlawfully issued for personal financial gains.
After hearing both sides, Special Judge Bala Joyti confirmed that the accused had been made aware of the charges. They pleaded not guilty and opted for a trial. Consequently, they face charges under Section 120-B of the RPC, read with Section 420, as well as Section 5(1)(d) of the P.C. Act Svt. 2006, read with Section 5(2). (KNO)
