ACB Apprehends Gram Sewak for Bribery in Bandipora
PTK News Desk
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended Abdul Rashid Khan, a Gram Sewak (GRS) of the Rural Development Department in Block Arin, District Bandipora, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹2500 from a complainant.
The ACB received a complaint from a resident of Block Arin, District Bandipora, alleging that Abdul Rashid Khan demanded a bribe of ₹6000 for performing geo-tagging of an under-construction house site, which was a prerequisite for availing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme.
According to the complainant, his case under the PMAY-G scheme was sanctioned in 2023 for the construction of a paca house. After receiving an initial installment of ₹50,000, he completed the plinth of the house. However, for further installments, he was informed by officials at the BDO office Arin that geo-tagging of the site was necessary.
On 21st April 2024, Abdul Rashid Khan visited the site and allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹10,000 from the complainant. After negotiations, the amount was settled at ₹6000, with ₹2500 to be paid on 22nd April and the rest after receiving the second installment.
Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB registered a case under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and initiated an investigation. A trap team was constituted, which successfully caught Abdul Rashid Khan red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of ₹2500 from the complainant. The accused was promptly taken into custody, and the bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
The ACB has affirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing, underscoring its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring justice for the citizens.
