• Suspension takes effect from August 20; Akhter to remain attached with Joint Commissioner (Sanitation) office

Aqzar Raheel 

Srinagar, Aug 21 (knz/TMJ): The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has suspended Junior Building Inspector Gazala Akhter following her arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with an alleged Rs 10,000 bribery case, officials said.

According to Order No. 892 of 2026 issued by the SMC Commissioner, Akhter, posted in Ward No. 28, has been deemed to have been placed under suspension with effect from August 20, the date of her arrest.

The action follows registration of FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, by the ACB Srinagar.

The ACB had arrested Akhter after allegedly catching her while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant in connection with construction-related activity. The alleged bribe amount was recovered in the presence of independent witnesses, officials said.

As per the suspension order, Akhter will remain attached to the office of the Joint Commissioner (Sanitation), SMC, during the period of suspension.

She will be entitled to subsistence allowance at the rate of 50 per cent, comprising half pay and half dearness allowance, in accordance with Article 108-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, 1956.

Further investigation into the case is being conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.(KNZ/TMJ)