Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 12: Special Municipal Magistrate Jammu, Meyank Gupta, has denied the bail application of Firdous Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Waskora village in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, who impersonated himself as an under secretary of Raj Bhavan. He was apprehended by a team from the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE).
The court's decision was based on a thorough examination of the case, which revealed that on February 23, 2024, a FIR (First Information Report) No. 03/2024 was registered against the applicant under sections 419/468/469 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66-D of the IT Act, upon a written complaint filed by Under Secretary Raj Bhavan J&K, Sh. Mayank Sharma. During the investigation, it was discovered that Wagay had been impersonating as an Under Secretary to the Raj Bhavan J&K through various social media accounts.
On February 25, 2024, the applicant was arrested near the Sumbal Bridge Shadipora, Ganderbal, while driving an Alto 800 car. Upon searching the vehicle, incriminating materials were recovered, including a Rubber Stamp of Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer Dept. of Tourism, fake departmental identity card (GAD) from the J&K Civil Secretariat, and fake stickers of Raj Bhavan, among other items.
The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, rejected the bail application, noting that the investigation was still in its infancy stage. The statements of material witnesses were yet to be recorded, and the evaluation of fake IDs and stamps in possession of the accused needed verification from concerned departments.
The court expressed concerns over the accused's conduct, highlighting the possession of fake vehicle stickers and rubber stamps, along with submitting fake ID cards to gain unlawful benefits, such as staying in hotels. The Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) also emphasized that the application for bail was premature, as further investigation was required to determine the extent of the accused's unlawful activities.
The rejection of the bail application underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Firdous Ahmad Wagay and the need for a comprehensive investigation into his actions. |
