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JAMMU: J&K Anti-corruption Bureau registered a case FIR No. 09/2024  PS ACB Jammu under section 13(1)(a) r/w 13 (2) PC Act, 1988 & section 120-B, 409 of IPC against Manju Sharma, then Jr. Assistant, other officers/officials then posted in RTO office Jammu and others on the outcome of a verification conducted by this Bureau to look into the allegations of irregularities committed by officials of Motor Vehicle Department in Regional Transport Office Jammu with regard to collection/deposition of passenger tax as well as probable misappropriation of same from 2018 onwards till collection of same through online mode,  pursuant to receipt of communication dated 06-03-2023 from General Administration Department.  

2. The verification conducted revealed that one Manju Sharma, Jr. Assistant was deputed in Accounts Section of Regional Transport office, Jammu to collect Passenger Tax from owners of Passenger Commercial Vehicles  during the period in question. While collecting the passenger Tax Dues, she acted dishonestly and resorted to randomly conceal the actual amount of Passenger Tax received from Vehicle owners/operators by way   of   reflecting    only    meager   part of amount in official record than amount which she collected on account of Passenger Tax.

The only amount of Passenger Tax  as reflected in counterfoil of Government Receipts (GRs) was deposited in Govt. Treasury whereas rest of the amount collected from Vehicle Owners/Operators stands misappropriated  by her. Furthermore, the Manual Cash Book/Day Book and vehicle-wise details pertaining to collection and deposition of Passenger Tax dues during the period has not been properly maintained which paved way to embezzle/misappropriate Passenger Tax dues.  

3. During the course of verification, it surfaced that an amount of more than 10 lakhs has been misappropriated in view of random cross checking of some copies of GRs and Owner’s copies of GRs.  The same may increase further in respect of other passenger commercial vehicles of Jammu, if detected during investigation. The role of the officers/officials of RTO office Jammu, in abetting/ facilitating such misappropriation of passenger tax amount during that period cannot be ruled out. By acting in this manner, Manju Sharma, then Jr. Assistant in lieu of criminal conspiracy with other employees of RTO office Jammu, dishonestly and fraudulently misappropriated huge amount of passenger tax so collected from various owners/operators during that period.  

4.Further investigation in the case is in progress.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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