Breaking: Scientist from PCB Srinagar Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe
ACB Apprehends Scientist-B of State Pollution Control Board in Bribery Sting Operation
Srinagar, Jan 08 (WD): The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) made a significant arrest on Monday, apprehending Dr. Bilquees Ara Siddiqui, Scientist-B of the State Pollution Control Board in Srinagar. The charges against her include demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000.
According to a statement issued to the news outlet WATTAN DAILY (WD), the ACB initiated action based on a written complaint received against Dr. Bilquees Ara. The complaint alleged that Dr. Bilquees, in her capacity as Scientist-B in the State Pollution Control Board, demanded a bribe for issuing a ‘Consent To Operate’ (CTO) for a bakery unit situated at the Industrial Estate in Khunmoh.
The complainant contended that his CTO application had been pending with Dr. Bilquees, who was allegedly causing unnecessary delays. The statement explained, “On the 6th of this month, the complainant visited the accused at PCB office and requested her to process his case.”
Reportedly, Dr. Bilquees demanded Rs 20,000 as a bribe for the issuance of CTO. After negotiations, the amount was eventually settled at Rs 5,000. However, the complainant chose not to pay the bribe and instead sought legal action through the Anti Corruption Bureau.
Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB registered Case FIR No. 02/2024 U/S 7 PC Act 1988 with PS ACB Srinagar and commenced an investigation. A trap team was formed, successfully catching Dr. Bilquees red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 5,000. The money was recovered from her on the spot.
The accused, identified as Dr. Bilquees Ara Siddiqui, daughter of Ghulam Nabi, resident of Sarnal (Gulshan Abad) Anantnag, holds the position of Scientist-B in the Pollution Control Board.
The statement concludes by noting that further investigation into the case is ongoing. —(WD)
