ACB arrests BDC Member for accepting Bribe at Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Jan 05 (WD):
On January 5, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) disclosed the apprehension of a DDC member in Ganderbal who was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The case unfolded when a complainant lodged a written complaint against public servants Majid Aziz, District Mineral Officer, and Gowhar Ahmad Reshi, BDC Member. The allegations centered around the demand for a bribe in exchange for the issuance of a disposal permit.
According to the statement issued to the Wattan Daily, the complainant, an authorized material supplier, faced delays in obtaining the permit despite completing all procedural formalities. Seeking resolution, the complainant approached DMO Ganderbal Majid Aziz, who directed him to BDC member Gowhar Ahmad, instructing him to comply with Ahmad’s demands.
Upon approaching Gowhar Ahmad, the complainant was allegedly asked for a bribe of Rs 50,000 for the issuance of the document, with Rs 10,000 required as an advance payment. Choosing not to succumb to bribery, the complainant decided to seek legal action and approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
In response to the complaint, the ACB registered a case (FIR number 01/2024) under section 7 of the PC Act 1988 at PS ACB Srinagar. A trap team was constituted, successfully catching Gowhar Ahmad Reshi red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 10,000. The money was recovered on the spot, and the accused was identified as Gowhar Ahmad Reshi, BDC Member, residing in Safapora Ganderbal. The involvement of DMO Majid Aziz in the matter is currently under investigation, and further inquiries are ongoing.
Simultaneously, the ACB J&K issued an appeal urging people not to engage in bribery with any public servant. In the event of a demand for a bribe, individuals are encouraged to approach the ACB for necessary action.
