SRINAGAR, July 23: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has secured a major disciplinary action against a Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department engineer, with the Jammu and Kashmir Government imposing the penalty of premature retirement on proportionate pension following departmental proceedings arising from a bribery trap case.
According to the ACB, the then Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B Special Sub-Division, Uri, was caught red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a contractor. Following the trap, FIR No. 29/2022 was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
After his arrest on November 17, 2022, the officer was placed under suspension by the Public Works (R&B) Department with effect from the date of his arrest.
The ACB completed its investigation and filed the final investigation report (chargesheet). The General Administration Department (GAD) subsequently accorded sanction for his prosecution through Government Order No. 38-JK-GAD(Vig) of 2023 dated July 7, 2023. The Bureau also recommended initiation of departmental proceedings under the applicable service rules.
Based on the ACB’s investigation, the Public Works Department initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
A memorandum containing the Articles of Charge and Statement of Imputations was served on the officer, and a departmental inquiry was conducted. After the initial inquiry report was found inconclusive, a fresh Inquiry Officer was appointed, who later submitted a detailed report along with clarifications.
The disciplinary authority examined the inquiry reports and records furnished by the ACB and concluded that the officer was guilty of gross misconduct and had failed to maintain absolute integrity, warranting a major penalty under the service rules.
After providing the officer an opportunity to respond to the proposed action and considering his reply, the competent authority found no fresh material that justified reconsideration of the penalty.
Accordingly, through a Government Order dated July 17, 2026, the Public Works (R&B) Department imposed the penalty of premature retirement on proportionate pension, other than that specified under Article 226(2) of the Civil Service Regulations, under Rule 30(vi) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, with immediate effect.
The ACB said the case highlights the effectiveness of coordinated anti-corruption action, from the successful trap and criminal investigation to prosecution sanction and departmental proceedings, culminating in disciplinary action against the public servant.
