Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 26: J&K Government has imposed strict departmental penalties on Haroon Rashid Bhat, the then Patwari of Halqa Harri Ganiwan, Tehsil Kangan, District Ganderbal, who was caught red-handed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while accepting a bribe in March last year.
As per Order Number 51 FC (Revenue) of 2025 issued by the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Haroon Rashid Bhat was apprehended by the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch, Srinagar, on March 11, 2024, for demanding and accepting an illegal gratification of Rs 20,000 in exchange for providing revenue extracts related to a land transaction.
Following his arrest, the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal placed Bhat under suspension on April 22, 2024, and attached him to the office of the Tehsildar, Tullamulla. A formal chargesheet was issued to him, which he denied. Subsequently, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kangan was appointed as the Enquiry Officer.
The Revenue Department proceeded with departmental action under Rule 31 of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, following prosecution sanction granted under Government Order No. 23-JK-GAD (Vig) of 2024.
After a thorough enquiry, the report submitted to the office of the Financial Commissioner found Bhat guilty of misconduct. Considering the gravity of the offence, the competent authority ordered the withholding of three annual increments with consequential effects on his promotions. Additionally, he has been barred from holding any sensitive postings for the next five years.
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