ACB J&K Initiates Action Against Drug Control Officer for Bribery

X: @the_news_21

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir received a written complaint detailing alleged corruption by a pharmaceutical distributor against Drug Inspector Ishtiyaq Ahmed Baba. The complaint stated that the distributor, in possession of a valid license for the sale and distribution of drugs and medicines, faced harassment and bribery demands from the said official.

The complaint alleged that on 2nd November 2023, Ishtiyaq Ahmed Baba inspected medicines sold by the distributor at Hachmarg Tarathpora and subsequently issued a notice, demanding to see the distributor’s license. On the 7th of November, when the distributor presented the license at the officer’s office in Bumhama Kupwara, Ishtiyaq Ahmed Baba declined to accept it as valid and demanded ₹10,000 as a bribe. When the distributor refused, citing legality, the officer threatened to cancel the license unless the bribe was paid.

Refusing to comply with bribery demands, the distributor reported the incident to the ACB Baramulla, alleging that Ishtiyaq Ahmed Baba had already accepted ₹8,000 as a bribe and was demanding an additional ₹2,000 for releasing the seized medicines.

Following a discreet verification, the ACB found evidence supporting the claims. Subsequently, a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was registered against Ishtiyaq Ahmad Baba, the Drug Control Officer of Handwara. Investigations were launched, uncovering substantial evidence indicating the officer’s involvement in bribery.

During the investigation, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Baba was apprehended while demanding the remaining ₹2,000 from the distributor. He was immediately taken into custody, presented before the court at Baramulla, and remanded to police custody.

Simultaneously, searches were conducted at Ishtiyaq Ahmad Baba’s residence in Bemina Hamdina Colony, where a sum of ₹2 lakh in cash was seized.

The ACB confirmed that investigations are ongoing, emphasizing their commitment to upholding integrity and combating corruption within public service.