Srinagar, Apr 30, KDC: Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday Traps and arrests Farooq Ahmad Rather, Executive Engineer, Pahalagam Development Authority for demanding and accepting bribe of ₹10,000 for processing file which was pending while posted as Assistant Executive Engineer, Rural Development Department, Achabal, Anantnag
“Anti-Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging that Farooq Ahmad Rather, Executive Engineer, Pahalagam Development Authority is demanding bribe of ₹10,000 @3% for the MGNAREGA bills costing ₹1.49 lacs and demanding 1.5% share of ₹4.25 lakhs approx. for already executed and released capex works bills in block Achabal, a statement issued by the ACB reads according to news agency KDC.
They saidtThe complainants alleged that he is contractor by profession, and had done the work under MGNAREGA scheme but the said Engineer is demanding bribe for processing the file for release of payment @3% for the MGNAREGA bills costing ₹1.49 lacs and demanding 1.5% share of ₹4.25 lakhs approx. for already executed and released capex works bills in block Achabal.
Upon receiving the instant complaint, prima facie offence U/S 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was found made out. Consequently, case FIR No. 08/2022 was registered in PS ACB Anantnag and investigation taken-up.
During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team caught red handed Farooq Ahmad Rather, Executive Engineer, Pahalagam Development Authority while demanding and accepting the bribe of ₹10000/- from the complainant. He was arrested on the spot by the ACB team. The bribe money was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses, the statement said adding that further investigation is going on. (KDC)
