In a decisive move against drug-related offenses, the Jammu and Kashmir government has terminated the services of a government employee found to be involved in a narcotics case. Shabir Hussain, who was serving as a Khalasi in the Jal Shakti (PHE) Division of Poonch, has been dismissed with immediate effect.

The dismissal follows Hussain's arrest and subsequent judicial custody in connection with FIR No. 167/2024, registered under sections 8/21/22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case involved the recovery of a heroin-like substance, weighing between 4 to 6 grams. Hussain remained in judicial custody for over a month, from September 14, 2024, to October 28, 2024.

The Jal Shakti Department initiated departmental proceedings against Hussain, in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Rules. He was initially placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, PHE Division Poonch, on September 18, 2024, following his arrest.

Subsequently, a memorandum, along with the articles of charge and statement of imputations, was served to Hussain on March 26, 2025, by the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu, requiring him to submit a written statement of defense within 15 days. Hussain responded with his defense on March 28, 2025.

An inquiry officer was appointed on April 4, 2025, to investigate the charges against Hussain, ensuring he was given an opportunity to be heard. Following this, Hussain was called to appear before the inquiry officer on April 25, 2025.

After a thorough examination of the inquiry report, the Competent Authority decided to impose the penalty of dismissal from service, exercising powers vested under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India. This decision effectively disqualifies Hussain from future employment in the public sector.

The government's decision underscores its commitment to maintaining a clean and efficient administration. Authorities have stated that Hussain's continued employment posed a grave risk to public welfare and eroded trust in government institutions.

This is not an isolated incident. In March 2025, the government dismissed four other employees for their involvement in NDPS cases. These dismissals demonstrate the administration's firm stance against drug-related activities and its determination to weed out individuals engaged in such practices from the government workforce. The government has been actively using Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution to terminate employees involved in activities detrimental to the safety and security of the country, including terrorism, anti-national activities, drug smuggling, and hawala rackets.

The current Lieutenant Governor's administration has been particularly active in invoking Article 311 to dismiss employees involved in NDPS cases. It has been suggested that there is a perceived link between narcotics and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Official figures indicate a significant crackdown on the illegal narcotic trade network, with thousands of cases registered and arrests made.

These actions reflect a broader effort by the Jammu and Kashmir government to combat drug trafficking and ensure the integrity of its public institutions.