Shocking Twist: J&K Revenue Secretary Becomes First IAS Officer to Face Trial in Explosive Gun Licence Scam

The Central Government has sanctioned the prosecution of J&K Revenue Secretary, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, amid allegations of irregularities in the issuance of gun licenses. This marks the first instance of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer receiving such a sanction in this case. The approval, dated November 28, 2024, stems from a CBI investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, scrutinizing the issuance of over 2.74 lakh gun licenses between 2012 and 2016 by district magistrates and other authorities for alleged financial incentives. The purported scandal is estimated to exceed Rs 100 crore.

In October, the CBI disclosed to the court that prosecution sanctions were still pending for 16 former district magistrates, including 13 IAS and three KAS officers, accused of issuing gun licenses unlawfully to ineligible individuals nationwide. The court has voiced concerns over the selective prosecution in this matter, highlighting that, despite completed investigations, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had not yet approved prosecutions for these officials.

Particularly notable in this case is Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, previously the district magistrate of Kupwara, against whom the CBI registered a case in October 2018. Earlier in 2024, a money laundering complaint was filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Ranjan, his family members, and nearly two dozen others, including government officials and gun dealers. This complaint alleges that their actions compromised state security by facilitating the illegal issuance and purchase of arms, impacting the state’s security due to J&K’s proximity to international borders.

Moreover, the Enforcement Directorate has sought action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, intending to confiscate the properties of the accused. As this legal saga unfolds, it underscores a deeper concern regarding transparency and accountability in public service.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-revenue-secretary-to-become-first-ias-officer-to-face-trial-in-gun-licence-scam-9753837/
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Publish Date: 2025-01-01 07:20:00