SRINAGAR: The Anti Corruption Bureau on Saturday arrested Nazir Ahmad, Patwari, Zildar Office, Hajin, Irrigation and Flood Control Division, Sumbal, Bandipora for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹5000 for not demolishing the premises of the complainant
In a statement, Anti Corruption Bureau spokesman that they received a complaint against Nazir Ahmad, Patwari, Zildar Office, Hajin, Irrigation and Flood Control Division Sumbal for allegedly demanding a bribe from the complainant for not taking any coercive action against him during the demolition drive.
“The complainant who is resident of village Sadunara, tehsil Hajin, district Bandipora stated that he is running a bike repairing workshop at Sadunara, Yarbalpora, Bandipora,” said the spokesman, adding that on 24.05.2022, Irrigation and Flood Control Sub-Division, Hajin launched a demolition drive on Irrigation Canal, Galbal, Sadunara.
He said that the complainant has fenced about three feet of this irrigation canal land with tin sheets.
“Patwari of Zildar Office, Hajin, Irrigation and flood control division, Sumbal namely Nazir Ahmad who was also with this demolition drive, came to his workshop and demanded a bribe of ₹5000/- from him for not demolishing his tin sheeted fenced wall. The complainant told him that he is unemployed youth and cannot pay this amount on which Patwari insisted that then he will demolish the tin sheeted wall,” he added.
“Under these compelling circumstances, he approached ACB and requested legal action against accused Patwari Nazir Ahmad. As the contents of complaint prima facie disclose the commission of offence punishable U/S 7 of the PC Act 1988 immediately after receipt of the complaint Case FIR No 17/2022 was registered at PS ACB Baramulla and a trap team was constituted,” said the spokesman.
“The team caught the accused official red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe 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,” he said.
Further investigation is going on, said the spokesman.
