Government’s Anti-Corruption Stand: Senior Prosecuting Officer Dismissed for Accepting Rs 2 Lakh Bribe in Murder Case
28-11-2023 : In a significant move, the Government of the Union Territory (UT) took decisive action by dismissing Senior Prosecuting Officer Aijaz-ul-Hassan, who was accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakh. The dismissal came following allegations that Hassan, stationed at the court of Judicial Magistrate in Thannamandi, had facilitated the exclusion of Moulvi Mushtaq Ahmad from being listed as an accused in a murder case in Rajouri district.
The order for Hassan’s dismissal was issued by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Raj Kumar Goyal. The allegations suggested that Hassan, in collaboration with Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Mohammad Shabeer and a Reader associated with the case investigation, had accepted the bribe to manipulate Ahmad’s involvement in the 2014 murder case.
Charges against Aijaz-ul-Hassan were framed by the Home Department, and after due process, the competent authority found him guilty and approved his immediate dismissal from services. The dismissal, effective immediately, also renders him disqualified for future employment, in accordance with Rule 30(viii) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956.
The order emphasized that Aijaz-ul-Hassan’s actions were a clear violation of the J&K Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, and Rule 3 in particular, reflecting a failure to maintain absolute integrity and conduct befitting a government employee. Despite submitting a response to the charge sheet, the officer’s explanation was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting an inquiry.
The inquiry report, subsequently approved by the Competent Authority, led to the imposition of the penalty of dismissal from service. In adherence to Rule 34 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, a show cause notice was served upon the delinquent officer, providing an opportunity to contest the penalty within 15 days.
After careful examination of the officer’s response in consultation with the General Administration Department and the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, the Competent Authority decided not to alter the dismissal decision. This stern action underscores the commitment to upholding integrity and ethical conduct within the government services, sending a clear message against corruption and malpractice.
