Srinagar, June 23 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against an Executive Engineer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), who was also holding additional charge as In-Charge Superintending Engineer, and a peon in connection with an alleged bribery case involving the clearance of a contractor’s bill.
While Sajad Hussain Bhat, a peon posted in the Left River Works Division (LRWD), was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 during a trap operation and taken into custody, Executive Engineer Er Sajad Kawoosa is absconding and is reportedly evading arrest.
According to the complaint, a contractor who had completed the installation of a high mast pole and lighting system at Saderbal Chowk in Srinagar alleged that his bill remained pending because the agreement had not been signed by the Executive Engineer. During a meeting on June 18, Kawoosa allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 to sign the agreement and process the bill.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI conducted a verification and found evidence suggesting that the bribe demand was conveyed through Sajad Hussain Bhat in conspiracy with Kawoosa. Following the verification, the agency laid a trap and apprehended Bhat while he was allegedly accepting Rs 5,000.
Searches were conducted at Kawoosa’s residence in the Bhagat Barzulla area of Srinagar, but he could not be traced. The CBI subsequently registered FIR No. RC1232026A0006 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against both accused.
The investigation is continuing and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the absconding officer.
