ACB J&K Arrests Senior Assistant/Cashier in KPDCL Sopore for Accepting Bribe
PTK NEWS DESK
Sopore, May 27, 2024 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has arrested Mohd Shafi Bhat, Senior Assistant/Cashier in the office of the Executive Engineer, KPDCL Sub Transmission Division, Sopore. Bhat was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹9,000 from a complainant for the release of his security deposit.
Complaint Details:
The ACB received a detailed complaint against Mohd Shafi Bhat, alleging that he demanded a bribe of ₹10,000 for releasing a security deposit amounting to ₹15,560. The complainant, who runs a firm named M/S Print Plus in Hazratbal, Srinagar, supplied stationery items and logbooks to the KPDCL office in Sopore in 2021. While the bill payment was processed, the security deposit remained unpaid.
According to the complaint, despite multiple requests for the release of the security amount, Bhat delayed the process on various pretexts and finally demanded ₹10,000 as a bribe. The complainant gathered evidence of the bribe demand and approached the ACB for legal action.
ACB Action:
Upon verifying the complaint, which indicated an offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), an FIR No. 09/2024 was registered against Mohd Shafi Bhat at the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Baramulla. A special investigation team, led by a DySP rank officer, was formed.
During the investigation, Bhat was apprehended while accepting the bribe from the complainant. He was immediately taken into custody, and the bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
Ongoing Investigation:
Further investigations in the case are ongoing. The ACB has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption and has urged the public to refrain from paying bribes to government officials.
Public Advisory:
The ACB has requested the general public to report any demand for bribes by government servants. Individuals can contact the ACB on its helpline number 9419678060 or via email at director.vigilance@jk.gov.in for legal action.
This arrest underscores the ACB’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public services, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
