Asif Iqbal Naik
Doda, Sept 18:The Anti-Corruption Court Doda, presided over by Hon’ble Judge Ms. Archana Charak, has convicted two engineers—Syed Ikhlaq Hussain Peer (then AEE) and Raja Faisal (then JE)—both posted in PWD (R&B) West Sub Division Doda, in a long-pending corruption case.
The conviction comes in FIR No. 14/2011, registered 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 at Police Station VOJ (now ACB).
Sentence Awarded
• Section 120-B RPC: Rigorous imprisonment for one year + fine of ₹10,000
• Section 161 RPC: Rigorous imprisonment for one year + fine of ₹10,000
• Section 5(2) J&K PC Act, Svt. 2006: Rigorous imprisonment for one year + fine of ₹10,000
Trap Case Details
The case originated from a complaint filed by a contractor, who had completed blacktopping work on the Doda–Ganeka road. While 75% payment was released, the accused officers allegedly demanded ₹45,000 as illegal gratification for clearing the remaining bill, thereby harassing the complainant.
Following this, the Vigilance Organization Jammu (now ACB) laid a trap at Doda City, during which Raja Faisal, JE, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount of ₹45,000 in the presence of independent witnesses. He was arrested on the spot, and subsequent investigation revealed the involvement of Syed Ikhlaq Hussain Peer, AEE.
After a full trial, the court convicted both officers and awarded the above sentence, marking a significant step in the fight against corruption in government offices.
