Srinagar: Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) today arrested one Ishfaq Razaq Sheikh, Technical Assistant, (Rural Development) Block Langate, Handwara for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 30000 from a complainant.
A spokesman of the Bureau, in a statement said that ACB received a complaint against Sheikh, Technical Assistant Block Langate Handwara for demanding bribe of Rs. 50000 from complainant for preparing bill of the work executed by the complainant etc.
“The complainant stated that he had secured allotment for construction of water harvesting storage at Samnar and that the said work has been approved under convergence of forest activities in convergence with MGNREGA scheme. That after completing the said work properly as per the orders, the complainant approached the Technical Assistant of Block Langate, Handwara for preparing the bill as per measurements etc. However, the said Technical Assistant namely Ishfaq Razaq Sheikh, S/O Abdul Razaq Sheikh R/O Vilgam Handwara was demanding Rs. 50000 as bribe for preparing the bill,” said the spokesman.
He said that the the complainant approached the ACB and requested for taking necessary action under Prevention of Corruption Act against the said accused public servant.
“On receipt of the complaint a discreet verification was conducted into the matter and on the basis of findings and recommendations of the enquiry officer prima facie offences u/s 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) was made out against the alleged accused public servant. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 26/2022 U/S 7 of the PC Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla and investigations were started,” said the spokesman.
He said that after registration of the case a trap team headed by DySP rank officer and independent witnesses was constituted. The team caught the accused red handed while demanding & accepting bribe of Rs. 30000 from the complainant at Big Boss Hotel and Restaurant near Petrol Pump Kulangam main road Handwara. He was arrested on spot after completing all legal formalities for further questioning and ascertaining the role other persons.
“Searches were also conducted at the residence of the accused. Further investigations are going on,” said the spokesman.
