The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, carried out searches on Thursday at three residences in Srinagar and Budgam related to a fraud case involving medical procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The raids were conducted under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 66-D of the IT Act, at the Police Station Economic Offences Wing in Srinagar.

The case was initiated following a written complaint from Sanjay Trading Company, Najafgarh, New Delhi, through its proprietor, Sanjay Kumar Sahu. The complainant alleged that Emad Muzafar Makdoomi, alias Imran Shah, and Vikar Ahmad Bhat dishonestly induced the company under the guise of procuring medical supplies during the pandemic.

A preliminary investigation showed that the accused fraudulently obtained substantial sums, including funds from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, and sought to divert crores of rupees from the Government Medical College, Srinagar.

They allegedly impersonated government officials, posing as delegates and Officers on Special Duty (Supplies), issued counterfeit allotment orders for various departments and institutions, created fake email accounts mimicking the complainant firm, and opened fraudulent bank accounts in the firm’s name to divert payments.

Following these findings, a formal case was registered and investigations commenced. The house searches aimed to collect further evidence, including digital records and financial documents. The probe is ongoing.

Separately, the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) conducted raids at multiple locations in the union territory on Thursday as part of a new terrorism investigation registered recently at Police Station CIK.