Diplomat Correspondent
DODA: DD, The Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Doda, Archana Charak, convicted two Engineers – Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), and Junior Engineer (JE) – both then posted in PWD (R&B) West Sub Division Doda.
They were convicted in a FIR Number 14 of 2011 under Section 5(1) (d) read with 5 (2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Sections 120-B & 161 RPC registered at Police Station VOJ (now ACB).
The court sentenced each accused to rigorous imprisonment for one year and a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 120-B RPC; rigorous imprisonment for one year and a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 161 RPC; and rigorous imprisonment for one year and a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006.
The case was registered on the complaint of a contractor who had completed blacktopping work on the Doda–Ganeka road.
While 75% payment had been released, the accused officers demanded illegal gratification of ₹45,000 for the release of the remaining amount, thereby harassing the complainant.
A trap was accordingly laid at Doda City, during which the convicted JE, was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of ₹45,000 in the presence of independent witnesses.
He was arrested on the spot, and further investigation revealed the involvement of the AEE.
After completion of investigation, a charge sheet was filed before the Court, which, after trial, convicted both accused and awarded the above sentence.
