Elected representative received bribe of Rs 1.4cr: SMC Mayor
Srinagar Municipal Commissioner (SMC) Junaid Azim Mattu Tuesday claimed that lakh of rupees bribe has been transferred to an elected representative of SMC in the last two years, with witnesses coming forward to record the statement.
In a series of tweets, Mattu said, Lakhs of rupees in bribes have been found to be deposited electronically into the bank account of an elected representative in SMC over the course of the last two years. The amount is roughly 1.4 crores with individual transactions running into lakhs”.
“Multiple witnesses have come forward relating horrific tales of extortion and brazen corruption. Three citizens have recorded their officials’ statements. The investigation is underway and Jammu and Kashmir Police, Crime Branch and Srinagar Police have taken cognizance”, he said.
“Administratively, the matter has been now officially brought to the notice of the administration, seeking removal of the elected representative from a position of authority immediately, pending the final outcome of the investigation. This is vital for a fair investigation”, SMC Mayor said in the tweet.
Adding that he said, “Multiple witness statements have been recorded in the presence of Commissioner SMC, Srinagar Police officials and representatives of investigative agencies over the last two weeks. Documents and details sought from SMC have been promptly submitted to Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau as sought”.
It comes two weeks after it was reported that citizens are asked to deposit money by an elected representative into his bank account to allegedly facilitate building permission.
SMC Mayor Junaid Mattu has said, “Multiple incidents of citizens being asked to deposit money by an elected representative in SMC into his private account to allegedly facilitate building permissions have come to our notice. Some deposits that have emerged range to as high as 2,00,000 rupees”.
Almost all public services offered by and mandated by SMC are online and transparently processed for established, nominal fees and charges. The processes are elaborately explained online and through public notifications, he had said.
“Under no circumstances should money be deposited into a private bank account or a bribe be offered to anyone to facilitate any SMC service or process. The strictest possible administrative and legal action will be ensured for any such illegalities”, Junaid had said.
The issue came to the limelight after audio clips of alleged bribe-taking by a few representatives of SMC were made the round on social media last month, following which questions were raised about how permission was given to carry out illegal constructions.
