Srinagar, March 26 — Four government employees in Jammu and Kashmir have been dismissed under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution for their alleged involvement in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases, officials said on Wednesday.
The sacked employees include Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Jamadar at the Irrigation Division Shopian; Abdul Rashid Bhat, Gang Coolie at the Irrigation and Flood Control Division Sumbal; Dilbag Singh, Lineman at Jal Shakti (PHE) Sub-Division Hiranagar; and Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Gang Coolie at Ferozpora Basin, Irrigation Division Tangmarg.
The government order stated that their activities had drawn the attention of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as they had “not only failed to uphold the standards of integrity and conduct expected of public servants but also actively engaged in activities detrimental to public welfare.”
In the case of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, police conducted a raid at his Zainapora residence based on credible intelligence, leading to the seizure of 9.9 kg of poppy straw. An FIR (No. 21/2023) was registered under the NDPS Act at Zainapora police station.
“The seized material was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Srinagar, which confirmed it as poppy straw,” the order mentioned. A charge sheet was filed before the Principal Sessions Judge Shopian on April 12, 2023.
The government said Dar’s possession of illegal substances violated both the law and departmental values.
“His arrest and the recovery of a substantial quantity of narcotics demonstrate a clear intent to operate within an illegal drug network, posing a serious threat to society,” the order stated.
The administration further said the employees’ actions could disrupt workplace morale and erode public trust in leadership. “The trial and associated public attention could impact the department’s internal culture and performance,” the order noted.
The dismissals were carried out under Article 311, which allows for the removal of civil servants without a formal inquiry in cases of serious misconduct.