ACB files chargesheet against former PWD AEE Sopore in bribery case

Srinagar, Apr 21: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) J&K has filed a charge-sheet before the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Baramulla against then AEE PWD (R&B) Sopore, in a bribery case involving the demand and acceptance of Rs 25,000 for processing a contractor’s bill.

The accused was allegedly caught red-handed during a trap laid by the ACB in October 2024. The case is now pending before the court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 6.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu & Kashmir, has presented a charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Baramulla, against Mubarak Ahmad Ganai, then Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), PWD (R&B) Division Sopore, in a case involving demand and acceptance of illegal gratification from a contractor for processing payment of bills.

He said, the case originated from a complaint lodged by a contractor alleging that the accused demanded a bribe @ 2% for processing the bill amounting to Rs 28.27 lakh, pertaining to the construction of a classroom lecture block at Government Degree College Sopore. Discreet verification substantiated the allegations, leading to registration of a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and laying of a trap.

“On 16.10.2024, the accused Mubarak Ahmad Ganai, AEE was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from the complainant. The tainted amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses. Investigation conducted revealed that the accused, by virtue of his official position, had direct authority over processing of the pending bill and had deliberately withheld the same to extract illegal gratification from contractor/complainant,” said the spokesperson.

He said, upon completion of investigation, the case was placed before the competent authority, which, after due application of mind, accorded sanction for prosecution against accused AEE, after which Final report /challan was presented before competent court by the agency.

“The matter now stands placed before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination. The next date has been fixed on 6th June, 2026. The Anti-Corruption Bureau remains steadfast in its mandate to enforce accountability and ensure that abuse of public office is met with firm legal action.”