Budgam, August 21, 2023 (KNB): In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully trapped and arrested Ab Majeed Sheikh, the proprietor of Sheikh Suppliers and Contractors, and Tajamul Hassan Shah, a weigher, at the FCI Godown in Chandpora, Budgam.
According to the statement issued to KNB said, the arrests came after a vigilant complainant reported the demand for a bribe of ₹5,000 to unload his truck carrying rice for FCI.
The complainant’s ordeal began when his truck, loaded with rice, arrived at the FCI Godown on August 12, 2023. To his dismay, the truck remained unattended, and he was directed by FCI office bearers to approach the Godown owner, Ab Majeed Sheikh, and Tajamul Hassan Shah, the weigher. Sheikh instructed the complainant to deposit ₹1,500 into his bank account, while Shah demanded a bribe of ₹3,500 before unloading the truck.
Refusing to succumb to corruption, the complainant promptly sought assistance from the ACB Srinagar to address the issue legally. Subsequently, a case (FIR No. 16/2023) was registered under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, with the ACB Srinagar, leading to a full-fledged investigation.
During the course of the investigation, a trap team was assembled by the ACB, which effectively caught Tajamul Hassan Shah red-handed while accepting the bribe of ₹3,500 from the complainant. The money was swiftly recovered from Shah at the scene. Additionally, it was discovered that other drivers who transport food-grains for FCI were also compelled to pay bribes before unloading their trucks at various FCI Godowns, particularly at Lethpora.
Several drivers on-site testified that they were routinely extorted for money, leading to delays in unloading their trucks. Shockingly, some drivers presented mPay screenshots confirming transfers of ₹3,000 each into the bank account of accused Ab Majeed Sheikh.
Notably, Ab Majeed Sheikh is not new to legal trouble. He is accused in a ₹30 crore fraud case involving J&K Bank, for which the ACB has previously filed charges (ACB case FIR No. 06/2019 of PS ACB Anantnag). Statement added
The investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities looking into the roles of other individuals associated with the FCI Godown in Chandpora.
Further arrests are anticipated in this unfolding case, underscoring the ACB’s commitment to combat corruption and ensure accountability. Statement further added- KNB