Srinagar, Jan 8: J&K’s Anti Corruption Bureau on Monday arrested a scientist in Pollution Control Board, Srinagar for allegedy demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 5,000.
ACB said they received a written complaint against Dr. Bilquees Ara, Scientist-B in State Pollution Control Board for demand of bribe for issuance of ‘Consent To Operate’ (CTO) for bakery unit located at Industrial Estate, Khunmoh.
The complainant alleged that he had applied for CTO from Pollution Control Board in the month of November 2023 and his application was pending with Dr. Bilquees who was unnecessarily delaying the matter.
It was further alleged that on January 6, the complainant visited the accused at PCB office and requested her to process his case.
“She demanded ₹20,000 as bribe from the complainant for issuance of CTO. However, after negotiation the amount was settled as ₹5,000,” the complainant alleged.
The complainant chose not to pay bribe and instead approached Anti Corruption Bureau for taking legal action against the accused public servant as provided under law.
On receipt of the complaint, a case was registered with Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation taken up.
“During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the accused public servant red handed while demanding and accepting bribe amount of ₹5,000 from the complainant,” a statement by ACB said. “The money was recovered from the accused on spot and further investigation into the case is going on.”
