Three arrested for stealing UNICEF quake relief in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 15 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police today claimed to have arrested three Public Health Engineering department officials for allegedly stealing Sintex water tanks and pipes donated by the UNICEF for survivors of the catastrophic October 8, 2005 earthquake.

Police registered a case following specific information that employees of PHE Division Handwara have sold Sintex water tanks and pipes, donated by UNICEF for quake victims, to some shopkeepers.

During investigations, as many as 15 Sintex water tanks of 1000 litre capacity each along with 60 pipes of various dimensions were seized from Kawari village in Kupwara district. The cost of tanks and pipes was estimated to be more than Rs 1.5 lakh.

Police said three employees -- Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Ramzan Dar and Mohammad Shafi Bhat -- were arrested in this connection.

More arrests were expected in the case, they added.

UNI