Srinagar, June 26, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar has once again exposed deep-rooted corruption within the Geology and Mining Department, this time arresting a Mineral Supervisor red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 for allowing the lifting of minor minerals.
According to ACB officials, the bureau received a written complaint from Meraj-Ud-Din Cheeta, son of Manzoor Ahmad Cheeta, a resident of Pandrethan, Srinagar. In his complaint, Cheeta alleged that Basharat Habib, serving as a Mineral Supervisor, was brazenly demanding a bribe in exchange for permission to lift sand from the area.
Following the complaint, officers of Police Station ACB Srinagar conducted discreet verification, which corroborated the allegations. A case FIR No. 11/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended) was promptly registered, and a trap was laid.
The trap team successfully caught Basharat Habib in the act, accepting the bribe from the complainant. He was immediately taken into custody, and further investigation into the case is currently underway.
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What has drawn widespread public concern is the fact that this is the second corruption case involving an official from the same department in less than 48 hours. Just two days ago, another officer of the Geology & Mining Department was arrested in the Safapora area for accepting a Rs 10,000 bribe.
This pattern of repeated misconduct within a short span has cast a shadow on the internal functioning of the department and raised serious questions about accountability and systemic failure.
In a statement issued after the arrest, the ACB reaffirmed its resolve to root out corruption from public offices. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. We urge citizens to come forward and report corruption without fear. Together, we can build a corruption-free society,” an ACB spokesperson said. [KNT]
