Srinagar, April 30 : Anti-corruption Bureau Saturday said to have arrested Executive Engineer of Pahalagam Development Authority while receiving bribe in lieu of processing a file.
“Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging that Farooq Ahmad Rather, Executive Engineer, Pahalagam Development Authority is demanding bribe of rupees 10,000 @3% for the MGNAREGA bills costing rupees 1.49 lacs and demanding 1.5% share of rupees 4.25 lakhs approx. for already executed and released capex works bills in block Achabal”, maintained Bureau spokesperson in a statement issued to GNS.
“The 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 rupees 1.49 lacs and demanding 1.5% share of rupees 4.25 lakhs approx. for already executed and released capex works bills in block Achabal”, the statement reads.
“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”, reads the statement.
“During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team caught red handed Farooq Ahmad Rather, Executive Engineer, Pahalgam Development Authority while demanding and accepting the bribe of rupees 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.”
“Further investigation is going on”, it concluded.