ACB Arrests Rural Development Department JE for Bribery in North Kashmir
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has made a significant arrest in Handwara, Srinagar, nabbing a Junior Engineer (JE) of the Rural Development Department for allegedly demanding and accepting bribes.
According to ACB reports, the JE, identified as Arshid Ayoub Marazi, along with another official, GR Suboor Mir, demanded bribes from a complainant for processing a bill related to executed work under MG-NREGA. The complainant, a resident of village Kunnel Qaziabad, Handwara District Kupwara, reported the incident to the ACB helpline.
Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, confirming the allegations. It was found that the complainant had completed two developmental works authorized by the panchayat but had not received full labor payment. Subsequently, when the complainant requested the JE to prepare bills for the completed works, both the JE and GR Suboor Mir allegedly demanded bribes of Rs. 5000 and Rs. 3000, respectively, as commission.
The investigation revealed that the accused officials had a history of demanding bribes from complainants through various means, including mobile payments and cash. The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribes, sought legal action through the ACB helpline and filed a written complaint. Based on the findings and recommendations, a case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and section 120-B IPC against the accused officials.
A trap team was formed by the ACB, which successfully caught the JE red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 5000 from the complainant. The bribe money was recovered from the accused and a shopkeeper who had received the money. Following legal formalities, the accused public servants were arrested on the spot. The investigation is ongoing, including probing the involvement of other officials, such as GR Suboor Mir, in the case.
This arrest underscores the ACB’s commitment to combat corruption and uphold integrity within government departments. It serves as a warning to public servants engaging in corrupt practices that they will be held accountable for their actions. The ACB urges citizens to report any instances of corruption, ensuring a transparent and accountable administration for the welfare of the people.
