Two Power Department Officials Arrested in Srinagar While Taking Bribe

Srinagar, Sept 17: In a significant action against corruption, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday apprehended two officials of the Power Development Department (PDD) red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 on the outskirts of Srinagar. The operation, carried out at Sempora following a well-laid trap, highlights continuing efforts by the ACB to clamp down on malpractices within government offices.

The officials arrested have been identified as a Junior Engineer and a Section Officer, both serving in the Electric Division Panthachowk. According to officials, the ACB acted swiftly after receiving a specific complaint alleging that the duo was demanding illegal gratification for clearing official work. “Acting on credible information, our team laid a trap and caught the officials red-handed while accepting the bribe amount. The money was recovered on the spot in the presence of independent witnesses,” an ACB officer confirmed.

The accused were immediately taken into custody, and the bribe amount was seized as material evidence. The ACB emphasized that the entire operation was conducted transparently to ensure credibility, with neutral witnesses present at the time of the arrest. The duo is now under interrogation as investigators work to determine whether their activities were part of a larger nexus of corruption within the division.

Preliminary findings suggest that irregularities in the Panthachowk Electric Division may not be isolated, and the possibility of more officials being complicit has not been ruled out. The ACB has indicated that the probe will extend beyond this incident to uncover systemic loopholes that may have allowed such corrupt practices to flourish.

Officials said the case underscores the ACB’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, with a strong message that no official, irrespective of rank or posting, will be spared if found guilty. The Bureau also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting instances of bribery and misconduct. “The fight against corruption requires active cooperation from citizens. We assure strict and impartial action against those involved, no matter how influential they may be,” an ACB spokesperson said.