The Anti-Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging that Bashir Ahmed is working as a clerk in Tehsil Social Welfare Office Soporis and is demanding bribe from the complainant for release of financial assistance in favor of the handicapped person.
The complainant alleged that he is a resident of Adipora, Sopore and his wife is a disabled person. He was getting financial assistance from the Social Welfare Department. Financial aid was discontinued a few years ago. He contacted Tehsil Social Welfare Office Sopore. He was informed about getting a new medical certificate of his wife. On this the complainant submitted a new medical certificate. The financial assistance was not restored by the concerned authorities despite submission of requisite documents.
He continued to visit the Tehsil Social Welfare Office for the restoration of financial assistance. Bashir Ahmed, Jr. Asst. Demanded a bribe of five thousand rupees for the hearing of the case. The complainant requested Bashir Ahmed to show mercy to him as he is poor and not in a position to pay the bribe money. But Bashir Ahmed did not pay any heed to the request of the complainant. On this the complainant approached the ACB and requested for action against this corrupt and ruthless government official.
Since the contents of the complaint prima facie reveal an offense punishable under section 7 of the PC Act 1988 by the accused public servant Bashir Ahmed Clerk in Tehsil Social Welfare Office, Sopore. Accordingly, investigation has been started by registering FIR number 16/2022 in the Police Station Anti Corruption Bureau, Baramulla. Trap teams were formed soon after the case was registered.
The team caught the accused officer red handed while demanding and taking bribe from the complainant. He was arrested by the ACB team on the spot. The bribe amount was also recovered from him in the presence of independent witnesses. The residence of the accused was also searched. It is pertinent to mention here that in the case of FIR No. 22/2004 of PS VOK, the accused was already facing trial.
This case is related to ‘misappropriation of the government’. Funds for distribution among the beneficiaries under the National Old Age Pension Scheme’.
