Jammu, April 4 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has suspended an IPS officer over alleged misappropriation of General Provident Fund (GPF) and income tax deductions of police personnel, officials said on Saturday.

Officials said the Lieutenant Governor has placed the officer under suspension pending an enquiry into the alleged misappropriation of GPF funds and income tax deductions of police personnel.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, pending enquiry into the matter of misappropriation of GPF funds and income tax deductions of police personnel of JKAP-4 Security Battalion, Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria, IPS (then Commandant, JKAP-4 Security Battalion), presently Commandant, 1st Border Battalion, Jammu, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

“During the period of suspension, the officer shall remain attached with the Police Headquarters, J&K,” the order said.

Officials said that eradication of corruption and bringing transparency in public service remain key priorities behind such disciplinary actions by the Lieutenant Governor.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), headed by a Director, is the primary anti-graft agency in Jammu and Kashmir. Dozens of government officials have been trapped by ACB sleuths while allegedly demanding and accepting bribes during the discharge of their duties.

The ACB is a specialised agency responsible for investigating corruption, bribery, and illegal assets accumulated by public servants and government officials. Its primary functions include registering cases, conducting inquiries, and carrying out raids, often involving traps to catch officials accepting bribes.

The ACB operates under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, targeting both government employees and private individuals who abet corruption.

Most states and Union Territories in India have their own Anti-Corruption Bureau, which functions independently of the local police. In Jammu and Kashmir, the ACB has also adopted technology-driven initiatives, including the use of social media platforms such as its Twitter handle and Facebook page, to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.

–IANS

sq/pgh