The Central Government has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) permission to prosecute Mr. Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (2010-batch IAS officer), the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Secretary, for alleged irregularities in issuing gun licences. This marks the first instance of prosecution sanction being approved against an IAS officer in this high-profile case.
The prosecution sanction, issued on November 28, 2024, pertains to a case registered by the CBI under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in granting over 2.74 lakh gun licences between 2012 and 2016, during which Jammu and Kashmir was a state. The licences were reportedly issued by district magistrates, deputy commissioners, and other licensing authorities in exchange for monetary considerations. The alleged scam is estimated to exceed Rs. 100 crore.
In October, the CBI informed the court that prosecution sanctions for 16 other former district magistrates (13 IAS and 3 KAS officers) were still pending. On November 25, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court expressed displeasure over delays in granting these sanctions, emphasizing the need for uniform action.
Mr. Ranjan, who served as Kupwara District Magistrate during the period under scrutiny, was named in a CBI case registered in October 2018. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, implicating Mr. Ranjan, his family members, and others. The ED alleges the accused jeopardized state security by facilitating illegal arms purchases through fraudulent licences.
The CBI and ED continue their investigations, with further actions anticipated.
