The Jammu and Kashmir government dismissed four employees on Wednesday for allegedly being involved in the narcotics trade as part of its ongoing crackdown on drug-related activities.
The dismissed employees are Abdul Rashid Bhat, Gang Coolie, Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Sumbal; Dilbag Singh, Lineman, Jal Shakti (PHE) Sub-Division, Hiranagar; Gulzar Ahmed, Assistant Motorman, Hydraulic Division, Ramban and Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Gang Coolie, Ferozpora Basin, Irrigation Division, Tangmarg.
#WATCH | Jammu | Additional Director General of J&K Police (Armed) Anand Jain says, "Jammu and Kashmir Police has organized the Jammu Marathon, and around 3000 people have participated in it. The marathon aims to spread the message that youth should stay away from drugs..." https://t.co/Ki501iFAEG pic.twitter.com/z56nfmjrnL
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025
The government removed them under Article 311 of the Constitution, which allows dismissal without an inquiry if an employee's continued service is considered a threat to public interest.
The action was taken after these employees were found involved in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deals with drug trafficking and related offences.
Cases were registered in their respective areas, and law enforcement agencies reportedly gathered enough evidence against them.
This follows a similar action against Gulzar Ahmad Dar, a Jamadar in the Irrigation Division, Shopian. He was dismissed in connection with an NDPS case registered under FIR No. 21/2023, under sections 8/15 of the Act, which relates to the production, possession, and transportation of banned narcotic substances.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has been taking strict measures against drug trafficking and corruption in government departments. These dismissals are part of a larger effort to remove employees involved in criminal activities and maintain the integrity of public service.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free and warned that strict action will continue against those involved in narcotics-related offences.
Earlier, the government had also dismissed Mohammad Iqbal, a Patwari in Pulwama, and Bashir Ahmed, a clerk in the revenue department, for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking under the NDPS Act. Similar actions were taken against two police personnel in Baramulla and Anantnag last year after they were found to have links with narcotics smugglers.
