Baramulla, October 16, 2024 – In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught Mubarak Ahmad Ganie, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Public Works Department (PWD), Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division Sopore, red-handed while accepting a bribe from a contractor. The arrest was made after the ACB received a complaint from the contractor, alleging that the AEE was demanding a 2% commission in exchange for processing his bills.
The Complaint
The contractor, who was involved in the construction of a lecture block at Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore, reported that his bills had been checked by the concerned Junior Engineer (JE). However, when he approached AEE Mubarak Ahmad Ganie for the processing of his payment, the official demanded a 2% commission on both the current and previously cleared bills. The contractor, unwilling to comply with the bribe demand, filed a written complaint with the ACB, seeking legal action.
Investigation and Verification
Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which confirmed the allegations. It was revealed that the AEE’s actions fell under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. Based on these findings, the ACB registered an FIR (No. 13-2024) at its Baramulla police station, initiating a formal investigation into the case.
The Trap and Arrest
A trap team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was formed to apprehend the accused. On October 16, 2024, the AEE was caught in the act of accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 from the contractor at the PWD R&B office in Sopore. The arrest was made on the spot, and the bribe money was recovered in the presence of independent witnesses. During a personal search, additional cash was found, which is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Searches and Seizures
Following the arrest, the ACB conducted searches at the accused’s residence and official accommodation. Incriminating documents were seized in the presence of a magistrate and independent witnesses, which are expected to further aid the investigation.
Legal Proceedings
The AEE was presented before the Special Judge at the Anti-Corruption Court in Baramulla and has been remanded to police custody for nine days. The investigation is still underway, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has reiterated its commitment to eliminating corruption from public offices and urged citizens to report any such incidents to ensure transparency in the functioning of the government.
