NOC bribery case: ACB files chargesheet against fire services official

Srinagar, Jun 19: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge sheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against a Fire and Emergency Services official accused of demanding and accepting a bribe for facilitating the issuance of a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Baramulla district.
The charge sheet has been filed against Nisar Ahmad Wani, then Senior Fireman (Belt No. 1748) posted at Fire and Emergency Services Sopore, in connection with FIR No. 16/2024 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
According to the ACB, the case originated from a written complaint lodged by a resident of Baramulla who alleged that the official had sought illegal gratification for facilitating a Fire Safety NOC required for establishing a timber sale depot at Janbazpora.
The complainant alleged that the accused had initially obtained Rs 1,500 towards application-related expenses and subsequently demanded Rs 5,000 under the pretext of fuel charges and other incidental expenses for processing the case.
Following a discreet verification, the ACB said the allegations were prima facie substantiated, prompting registration of the case and constitution of a trap team.
During a trap operation conducted on December 16, 2024, the accused was allegedly caught while demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant.
The ACB stated that the tainted money was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses. Subsequent forensic examination by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Srinagar reportedly confirmed the presence of phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate in the hand wash and pocket wash samples collected during the trap proceedings.
After completion of the investigation, sanction for prosecution under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was accorded by the competent authority.
The charge sheet has now been presented before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla, against the accused public servant for offences punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. [KNT]