The Jal Shakti (PHE) Department has dismissed an employee Khalasi posted in the PHE Division Poonch, from Government service for his involvement in a narcotics case.
According to an official order, Shabir Hussain, working as Khalasi in PHE Division Poonch, was named in FIR No. 167/2024 under sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act for possession of 4–6 grams of heroin-like substance.
He was arrested on September 14, 2024, and remained in judicial custody till October 28, 2024.
Following his arrest, Hussain was placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, PHE Division Poonch, under Rule 31(2) of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
A departmental inquiry was initiated, with a charge sheet issued on March 26, 2025.
Hussain responded on March 28, maintaining innocence and citing that the case was pending trial.
“The Chief Engineer appointed an Inquiry Officer on April 4, 2025. After multiple opportunities to present his defence, the inquiry concluded that while the recovered quantity did not fall under the ‘commercial’ category, it still involved possession of illegal substances, violating both law and departmental conduct,” the order reads.
Based on police records, inquiry findings, and the pending criminal trial, the department concluded that his continued service was untenable.
The matter was placed before the Competent Authority, which approved his dismissal under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India.
“Shabir Hussain, son of late Shakar Din, resident of Degwar Terwan, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch, has been dismissed from service with immediate effect and disqualified from future government employment,” adds the government order