IO testifies in Nowshera wheat embezzlement case

The Anti-Corruption Court of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, presided over by Judge Asif Rasheed, conducted a hearing in the multi-million rupee government wheat embezzlement case.

During the proceedings, the statement of the investigating officer was recorded. The accused have also filed an application seeking acquittal, which the court has adjourned for further hearing until December 16. Additionally, the court has summoned more prosecution witnesses for the next hearing.

Charges have been framed against five accused named in the wheat embezzlement scandal. According to the prosecution, the accused include Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Khalid, Qazi Junaid, Talha Muhammad, and Muhammad Atif. Another accused, Usman Abid Shah, remains absconding.

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The prosecution stated that the accused were employees at the wheat storage warehouse in Adzakhail, Nowshera. The accused allegedly colluded to embezzle 1,700 tons of wheat and misappropriated up to 3,300 bags of the commodity. The embezzlement caused a loss of Rs1.96 billion to the national treasury.

After the completion of investigations against the accused, the trial has now commenced. During the hearing, the court recorded the statement of the investigating officer.

The court has adjourned further proceedings in the case until December 16, when the prosecution is expected to present additional witnesses.

The case has attracted attention due to the scale of the alleged embezzlement and the involvement of multiple officials. The trial aims to ensure accountability and bring the accused to justice in accordance with the law.