CBI held Past special Secretary of Govt of Jammu and Kashmir and 2 for Bribery

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a chargesheet before the Special Judge, CBI Cases, Jammu against the former Special Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (Government of Jammu and Kashmir), the former Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu, and a private person.

Based on a complaint, a case was filed on April 6, 2023, against the Ex-Chief Horticulture Officer of Jammu and unknown individuals. It was claimed that the Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu demanded Rs.10 lakh as bribery from the complainant in exchange for his position and settlement of departmental concerns, including promotion.

During a trap conducted by CBI, the Chief Horticulture Officer of Jammu and a private person (middleman) were apprehended while allegedly seeking and accepting a bribe of Rs.10 lakh from the complainant in the name of the Special Secretary, Agriculture, and Production Department (Government of Jammu and Kashmir).

CBI searches were also conducted at the premises of both the accused and the Special Secretary’s residence, resulting in the recovery of Rs.3.5 Lakh (approximately) in cash and other property-related documents.

During the probe, it was discovered that a private person (Agriculture and Production’s Supplier/Contractor) reportedly performed as a middleman for the collecting of bribe. It was further claimed that the Special Secretary passed on official information regarding to Complainant’s transfer/posting to a middleman, who subsequently passed it on to the Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu.

It was also alleged that the Special Secretary started the Complainant’s transfer proposal and allegedly recommended his name for CHO, Doda as well as for CHO, Rajouri in disregard of the inquiry officer’s recommendation that the Complainant not be posted to any sensitive post.

Following the investigation, a chargesheet was filed.

The public is advised that the subsequent outcomes are based on the CBI’s investigation and evidence collection. The accused are assumed innocent under Indian law until their guilt is eventually confirmed after a fair trial.