Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge sheet against 22 individuals—including Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi—in connection with alleged fraudulent withdrawal of compensation payments by tampering with revenue records in Budgam district.
In a statement, an ACB spokesperson said: “Anti-Corruption Bureau produced charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar in Case FIR No. 18/2009 under Section 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 and Section 120-B, 467, 468, 471 RPC against 22 accused persons, including two Collectors of LAWDA, four other public servants (now retired) and 16 beneficiaries.”
The case stems from a Joint Surprise Check (JSC) conducted by the ACB into alleged misuse of official position by officers and officials of the Rukhs and Farms Department in Kashmir.
However, Ruhullah on Saturday dismissed the corruption charges levelled against him by the ACB, terming them a political vendetta aimed at silencing his dissent.
At a press conference held in Budgam, Ruhullah strongly refuted the allegations. “I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with this case,” he said. “I was never called by the ACB or any investigating agency for questioning. There is not a single piece of evidence or even a recorded statement of mine in the case.”
Ruhullah said he had received a nominal compensation amount as a legal heir after his father’s death. “The land belonged to my father. I did not claim any compensation personally. The money was distributed among the legal heirs, and I received a small part, like my siblings,” he explained.
The NC leader alleged that the timing of the chargesheet—coming just weeks before Lok Sabha elections—was aimed at damaging his political prospects.
“This is clearly a politically motivated move. I am being targeted because I have been a consistent dissenter and critic of the government. This is not a legal action, it is a political message,” he said.
Ruhullah also pointed out that despite being named in the chargesheet, he has not been summoned by the court so far.
“There is no mention of me being accused of forgery, bribery, or any misuse of power. Yet I am being dragged into this to create a narrative,” he said.
Calling on the people to see through what he called a “malicious attempt,” Ruhullah said the charges would not deter him from speaking out. “If the government thinks they can silence me by throwing such baseless charges, they are mistaken. I will continue to speak the truth and raise my voice,” he added.
The National Conference has extended full support to Ruhullah, with party spokespersons alleging misuse of institutions to target opposition leaders ahead of the elections.
