ACB arrests fire service department clerk in bribery case in Sopore

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a clerk of Fire & Emergency Service department posted in Sopore for demanding bribe of Rs 5000 for issuance of NOC to open a timber sale depot.
According to a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a complainant alleged that he intended to open a sale depot of timber in Baramulla for which he had applied online with forest department for securing licence and as per check list, he completed all formalities except fire department NOC which was mandatory.
The statement reads that when he approached th office in Sopore concerned clerk, Nisar Ahmad Wani initially delayed NOC on different grounds and finally told him to give bribe of Rs 5000. “The clerk also compelled complainant to pay Rs 1500 through bank account to some unknown person on pretext of fee for NOC beside made him install various instruments at proposed timber depot through selected shopkeeper at higher price,” it reads. It added that as the complainant was not interested in paying the bribe he accordingly approached ACB with his complaint and demanded legal action against the concerned official.
“On receipt of the complaint a discreet verification was conducted by ACB PS Baramulla. The verification prima facie disclosed the commission of offence punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by Nisar Ahmad Wani. Accordingly, a case FIR No 16/2024 Under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against him and the investigation was initiated”.
The statement reads that during investigation, a team laid a successful trap and accused clerk was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 4000 from complainant. “Accordingly, after completing all legal formalities the accused was arrested on the spot. The bribe money was also recovered, while further investigation is going on,” it added