Department acts pending investigation into recruitment irregularities
Srinagar, June 29: The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended two of its officials following their arrest by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the department’s recruitment process.
The action was taken after the department received an official communication from the ACB regarding the arrest of the officials in FIR No. 01/2025 registered at Police Station ACB Central Jammu.
The suspended officials have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Shah, Divisional Fire Officer (DFO), presently posted at the Range Office Srinagar and attached with the Command Office Ganderbal, and Younis Ahmad Ganie, Fireman (2195), posted at the Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters Srinagar and presently deployed at the Medical Unit Srinagar.
According to an order issued by Director Fire and Emergency Services J&K, Alok Kumar (IPS), both officials have been deemed to be under suspension with effect from June 26, 2026, the date of their detention, in terms of Rule 31(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
The order states that the officials shall remain under suspension pending further orders and will be entitled to subsistence allowance as admissible under the service rules during the suspension period.
The arrests are linked to the Fire and Emergency Services recruitment scam, which surfaced after an Anti Corruption Bureau investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of firemen in the department. The case has already led to the termination of more than 100 firemen whose appointments were found to be tainted during scrutiny conducted by the authorities.
Investigators are examining allegations of manipulation in the recruitment process, abuse of official position and the alleged involvement of officials and beneficiaries in securing appointments through illegal means. The ACB is also probing possible monetary transactions and other irregularities connected with the selection process.
Sources said the arrests mark a major development in the case, which has drawn considerable public attention due to the scale of the alleged irregularities. The investigation agency is scrutinising recruitment records and the role of various officials associated with the recruitment exercise.
Officials said departmental proceedings against the suspended employees will be initiated and pursued in accordance with the outcome of the ongoing investigation and applicable service rules.
Meanwhile, the ACB has continued its probe into the case and further action is likely as investigators gather additional evidence and examine the involvement of other persons connected with the recruitment process.
Copies of the suspension order have been forwarded to the Principal Secretary, Home Department, the Anti Corruption Bureau and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action.
