*COVID Supply Scam Busted: Crime Branch Kashmir Books Two for ₹27 Lakh Fraud, ₹2.24 Crore Bid Foiled*

Srinagar, Feb 26 (KNC): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has registered a formal case against two Srinagar residents for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale fraud linked to procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Union Territory.

In a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC reads, Economic Offences Wing Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has registered a formal case against two individuals for their alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud related to procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

The case was initiated following a written complaint alleging that the accused, residents of Peerbagh and Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, impersonated themselves as delegates of the J&K Ministry and OSD Supplies. By deceitful means, they induced departments and institutions to transfer payments for medical goods into bank accounts fraudulently opened in the names of genuine suppliers. The accused also allegedly created fake email IDs to misrepresent the original supplier’s identity, it reads.

Preliminary verification revealed that the accused dishonestly obtained an amount of ₹27 lakh from a government office and had planned to fraudulently withdraw ₹2.24 crore from a government medical institution, it reads.

On prima facie evidence, offences under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC read with Section 66-D of the IT Act have been established. Cognizance has been taken and further investigation is underway, statement reads. (KNC)