SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed the penalty of censure on a former Naib Tehsildar of Tangmarg after concluding departmental proceedings in a corruption case registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
According to an order issued by the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), JK the action was taken against Bashir Ahmad Hajam, son of Ghulam Nabi Hajam, a resident of Arampora Ganderbal, who was serving as Naib Tehsildar Tangmarg in Baramulla district when the allegations surfaced.
The order states that Hajam was arrested by the ACB Baramulla in connection with FIR No. 05/2021 for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a complainant in lieu of signing revenue extracts for the alienation of six kanals of land in village Chandal, Tangmarg.
Following the registration of the case, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla had placed the official under suspension in April 2021, which was later confirmed by the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), and the officer was attached to the office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
Subsequently, the government granted prosecution sanction in May 2023 and directed initiation of Regular Departmental Action (RDA) under the JK Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956. A charge sheet was served to the officer and an inquiry was conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, while the Tehsildar Pattan acted as the presenting officer.
The inquiry report submitted in May 2025 concluded that the allegations of demand and acceptance of bribe were not substantiated on the basis of available documents and statements. The report noted that the complainant himself refuted the allegation of demand, and the alleged tainted money was not recovered from the accused officer. It also recorded that the hand-wash test did not show any colour change.
However, the inquiry pointed out that there had been delay in issuing revenue extracts, which had prompted the complainant to approach the ACB. The report further observed that the officer was handling the routine work of four Nayabats simultaneously, leading to an excessive workload, which may have contributed to the delay.
The Deputy Commissioner Baramulla subsequently recommended that the Naib Tehsildar be exonerated from the charges. After examining the case, the competent authority noted that while the departmental inquiry did not establish corruption charges, the criminal case filed by the ACB was still pending for prosecution evidence.
In view of the circumstances, the government ordered that the Regular Departmental Action be closed with the penalty of censure, while recommending revocation of the officer’s suspension, subject to review committee approval. The final outcome will remain subject to the decision in the pending criminal case.
The order further directed that the officer be suitably utilized by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir until further orders. (KDC)
