CBI-Files Chargesheet Against J-K Officials in Bribery Case

CBI-Files Chargesheet Against J-K Officials in Bribery Case

CBI-Files Chargesheet Against J-K Officials in Bribery Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially submitted a charge sheet today against a Special Secretary of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir assigned to the Agriculture & Production Department, a Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), and a private individual in connection with a bribery case. The charge sheet was filed before the Special Judge Anti Corruption (CBI cases) Jammu Bala Jyoti.

The case originated on April 6, 2023, with the registration of a complaint against Sarbjit Singh, Chief Horticulture Officer in Jammu, and unidentified others. The complaint, submitted by Satvir Singh Raina, Chief Horticulture Officer attached to the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, alleged that Sarbjit Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs.10 lakhs from Raina.

The bribe was supposedly sought for facilitating Raina’s posting and resolving various departmental issues, including matters related to promotion. Upon investigation, the CBI found the allegations to be substantiated.On April 7, 2023, the CBI set a trap, leading to the apprehension of Sarbjit Singh in the act of demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs.10 lakhs. The investigation further revealed that the bribe money was intended for accused Mohd. Farooq Dar, Special Secretary in the Agriculture & Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It was disclosed that a private person, Gohar Ahmed Dar, was designated to hand over the bribe money to the Special Secretary.

In the course of the trap operation, Gohar Ahmed Dar, identified as a tout/middleman, was caught red-handed while taking possession of the bribe money from Sarbjit Singh. Both individuals were subsequently arrested following established legal procedures. Searches were conducted at the residences of Sarbjit Singh and Gohar Ahmed Dar, as well as at the residence of Mohd. Farooq Dar. These searches resulted in the recovery of Rs.3.5 lakhs in cash and various documents related to the accused’s movable and immovable properties.

The comprehensive investigation, utilizing technical tools and forensic analysis of digital data, unraveled the entire criminal conspiracy orchestrated by the accused parties. The probe exposed Gohar Ahmed Dar’s role as a middleman collecting bribes on behalf of the Agriculture & Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It was determined that Mohd. Farooq Dar collaborated in a criminal conspiracy with Gohar Ahmed Dar and Sarbjit Singh to demand a bribe from Raina for his transfer and the resolution of his departmental issues.

The investigation disclosed that official information concerning the transfer/posting of Raina was communicated by Mohd. Farooq Dar to Gohar Ahmed Dar, who, in turn, relayed it to Sarbjit Singh. In furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, Sarbjit Singh solicited and accepted the bribe from Raina, handing it over to Gohar Ahmed Dar, with the intention of it being forwarded to Mohd. Farooq Dar.

In line with the findings of the investigation, a charge sheet has been filed today against Mohd. Farooq Dar, Special Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir; Sarbjit Singh, Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu; and Gohar Ahmed Dar, Private Person, under section 120-B IPC r/w section 7 of PC Act 1988 and the substantive offenses thereof. The charge sheet has been submitted before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases), Jammu.

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