Srinagar, Jun 19 (KNO): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday said it has filed a chargesheet before the Special Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla, against a Fire & Emergency Services official accused of demanding and accepting a bribe for issuing a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Sopore.
In a statement issued to the news agency for the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has today filed a charge sheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against accused public servant Nisar Ahmad Wani, then Senior Fireman (Belt No. 1748), Fire & Emergency Services, Sopore, in connection with FIR No. 16/2024 registered at Police Station ACB, Baramulla.
He said the case was registered on December 16, 2024, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), following a written complaint lodged by a resident of Baramulla alleging demand of illegal gratification by Nisar Ahmad Wani, then Senior Fireman posted at Fire & Emergency Services, Sopore.
“The complainant alleged that the accused had demanded illegal gratification for facilitating the issuance of a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for establishing a timber sale depot at Janbazpora, Baramulla. It was further alleged that the accused had already obtained Rs. 1,500 from the complainant towards application-related expenses and subsequently demanded Rs. 5,000 as illegal gratification under the pretext of fuel charges and other incidental expenses,” said the spokesperson.
He said following a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations, the ACB registered the case and constituted a trap team. During the trap proceedings conducted on December 16, 2024, the accused was apprehended while allegedly demanding and accepting illegal gratification from the complainant.
“The tainted bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses. The hand wash and pocket wash samples of the accused tested positive for the presence of phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate during forensic examination conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Srinagar. The accused was arrested in accordance with due process of law and was subsequently released on bail by the Hon'ble Court,” said the spokesperson.
He said upon completion of the investigation, sanction for prosecution as envisaged under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was accorded by the competent authority. Consequently, the charge sheet has been presented TODAY before the Hon'ble Court OF SPECIAL Judge Anti-corruption court Baramulla against the accused public servant for commission of offences punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
“The Anti-Corruption Bureau Jammu & Kashmir reiterates its commitment to combating corruption and urges citizens to report instances of bribery and corrupt practices through appropriate channels.”—(KNO)