Govt orders 3 separate probes on charges of bribe, irregularities, abuse of power
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: In a major development, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has ordered three separate inquiries against presidents of municipal bodies in Kashmir Valley.
Documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir reveal that the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) of J&K government has ordered separate enquiries against presidents of three municipal committees on charges ranging from accepting bribe to abuse of powers.
According to an order, the department has ordered Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, vice-chairman, Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, to hold an enquiry into charges of acceptance of illegal gratification by President Municipal Committee Pahalgam for which Anti-Corruption Bureau has already registered an FIR.
“As a principle of justice, a reasonable opportunity of being heard shall be afforded to the president concerned,” reads the order.
The inquiry officer has to submit his report within one month.
In October 2021, ACB had arrested president Municipal Committee, Pahalgam for demanding and accepting Rs 80,000 as bribe for release of payments for supply of garbage vehicles.
The department has also ordered separate probes by Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir Mathoora Masoom against president Municipal Council Pulwama and president Municipal Committee Frisal.
The DULBK has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the alleged regularization of building permission cases in violation of rules by the president Municipal Council Pulwama.
She has also been asked to inquire into abuse of powers/failure to perform duties by the president Municipal Committee Frisal.
As per these orders, she has been directed to complete both the enquiries within a period of one month after giving the concerned presidents a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
