Niraj Kumar, an IAS officer of the 2010 batch AGMUT cadre, has had a steady bureaucratic career, currently serving as the Additional Resident Commissioner, J&K Government, New Delhi. His role involves liaising between the Jammu & Kashmir government and the central administration. However, recent allegations in the arms license scam have put him and two other IAS officers—Yasha Mudgal (2007 batch) and Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (2009 batch)—under legal scrutiny.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, to resubmit the prosecution sanction proposals against these officers, citing missing documentation. As the case unfolds, it sheds light on a massive irregularity that allegedly led to the issuance of over 2.74 lakh illegal gun licenses between 2012 and 2016.
Who is Niraj Kumar IAS?
Niraj Kumar, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has held various important positions, playing a key role in governance and policy implementation. His journey as a bureaucrat has been commendable, but the recent controversy threatens to overshadow his service record.
Niraj Kumar IAS Wife, Family- Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Niraj Kumar |
| Batch & Cadre | 2010, AGMUT Cadre |
| Current Position | Additional Resident Commissioner, J&K Government, New Delhi |
| Past Positions | District Magistrate (DM) in various regions |
| Allegations | Arms License Scam (2012-2016) |
| Investigation | CBI probe, awaiting prosecution approval |
| Nationality | Indian |
The Arms License Scam: A Major Bureaucratic Scandal
What is the Arms License Scam?
Between 2012 and 2016, over 2.74 lakh arms licenses were allegedly issued fraudulently in Jammu and Kashmir. The scam is considered one of the biggest cases of corruption in the bureaucratic system, where influential individuals, including IAS officers, allegedly facilitated illegal issuance of licenses in exchange for bribes.
Niraj Kumar’s Alleged Role
Niraj Kumar, along with other bureaucrats, has been accused of issuing gun licenses to individuals who did not meet the legal requirements. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been investigating this case since 2017, and it has now reached the stage where prosecution sanctions are required from the J&K administration and MHA.
The key allegations against Niraj Kumar include:
- Issuing arms licenses without proper verification.
- Approving licenses for individuals who were not residents of J&K.
- Being part of a system where officials allegedly received financial benefits for issuing fraudulent gun permits.
MHA’s Recent Action Against Niraj Kumar IAS
On March 8, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) returned a proposal for prosecuting Niraj Kumar and two other IAS officers due to missing documents. The MHA has directed the J&K Chief Secretary to resubmit the proposal within a week, along with the following enclosures:
- Certified FIR copies
- Statements of witnesses and accused
- Investigation reports
- Legal opinion from the J&K Law Department
- CBI’s letter dated July 23, 2024, and related documents
This move indicates that the government is keen on ensuring a strong legal case before proceeding with action against these officers.
Legal and Administrative Implications
If found guilty, Niraj Kumar and the other accused officers could face:
- Dismissal from service – If convicted, they may be permanently removed from their positions.
- Legal prosecution – The case could lead to criminal charges and potential imprisonment.
- Damage to career reputation – This controversy will likely impact their bureaucratic credibility, even if they are eventually cleared.
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 20, 2025. The CBI’s detailed findings and the J&K administration’s final decision will determine the course of legal proceedings against Niraj Kumar. As of now, he continues to serve in his role, but the controversy raises serious questions about transparency in India’s bureaucratic framework.
Also Read: Yasha Mudgal IAS Arms License Controversy
