Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its investigation into alleged financial irregularities and disproportionate assets under the Srinagar Smart City Project (SSCP), conducting extensive raids across multiple locations in Srinagar and its outskirts.
Reliable sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the ACB recently raided multiple locations, targeting senior officials of Srinagar Smart City Limited. Sources added that searches were conducted as part of the probe into allegations of corruption and the accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income.
Insiders in ACB revealed that the raids are part of an ongoing inquiry into financial mismanagement within the SSCL, which has been under scrutiny for months. Investigators are focusing on whether funds allocated for various infrastructure and development projects under the Smart City initiative were misused or siphoned off.
Launched as part of India’s nationwide Smart Cities Mission, the Srinagar Smart City Project aims to modernize urban infrastructure, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for residents. A total of Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated to the project, which encompasses 137 initiatives, including road development, IT-enabled services, heritage conservation, urban mobility, and sanitation.
While the project has undertaken several initiatives to transform Srinagar’s urban landscape, allegations of financial irregularities have marred its progress. Officials are accused of manipulating contracts, inflating costs, and approving substandard work in violation of established guidelines.
Further, questions have been raised about the transparency of procurement processes and the accountability of senior officials overseeing the project.
Civil society groups have urged the administration to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
“Accountability is paramount when it comes to public funds. Any official found guilty of corruption must face strict legal action,” said a prominent activist. [KNT]
