JAMMU, SEP 20: The CBI Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Jammu, has arrested a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO), an Agricultural Extension Assistant and a private individual in connection with an alleged demand for ₹35,000 to facilitate the release of a subsidy under the High-Density Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The accused have been identified as Rajan Sharma, SDAO, Akhnoor; Hith Abhilashi Sharma, Agricultural Extension Assistant; and Ashok Kumar, a private individual who allegedly acted as a middleman.
According to the CBI, the case was registered following a complaint alleging that money was being demanded for processing and releasing the subsidy. During verification, the alleged demand was reportedly corroborated through recorded conversations.
Preliminary investigation found that ₹15,000 was allegedly agreed upon as the first instalment, to be paid to Ashok Kumar and Hith Abhilashi Sharma, allegedly on the directions of the SDAO. The remaining ₹20,000 was to be paid later.
The CBI team allegedly caught the private individual and the Agricultural Extension Assistant red-handed while accepting the first instalment, following which the SDAO was also arrested.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
