Srinagar, August 20 (KNB): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar on Thursday caught a junior lady inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 in connection with official work pertaining to Ward No. 28, Batamaloo.
The official has been identified as Gazala, a junior lady inspector posted with the SMC.
According to senior ACB officials, the Bureau received a complaint alleging that the official had demanded ₹10,000 from a person for carrying out official work related to Ward No. 28.
“After receiving the complaint, the Bureau acted swiftly and initiated the necessary legal process,” senior ACB officials said.
The officials said that a trap was subsequently laid, following which the accused official was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount.
The ACB team took the accused into custody and initiated further proceedings in accordance with law.
The ACB officials said that the case is being investigated and further details would be shared as the investigation progresses.
The action has been widely appreciated by people in the area, who said that strict action against officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices is necessary to restore public confidence in government institutions.
Locals also urged the judiciary to ensure speedy disposal of corruption cases and, wherever guilt is established in accordance with law, impose exemplary punishment so that it acts as a deterrent for others.
Meanwhile, the ACB appealed to people to come forward and report demands for bribes or other forms of corruption in government offices. The Bureau said public cooperation is vital in its efforts to eliminate corruption and ensure transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
The ACB urged citizens not to remain silent when confronted with corrupt practices and to approach the Bureau with genuine complaints so that timely action can be taken against those allegedly misusing their official positions. (KNB)