ACB exposes extortion network at FCI Godowns in J&K, two arrested

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In a shocking revelation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has exposed a widespread bribery scheme thriving within the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns. The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a whistleblower, shedding light on a disturbing pattern of corruption that has reportedly hindered the timely unloading of food-grain-carrying trucks.
According to statement, truck drivers transporting essential food grains to FCI’s Chandpora Godown in Budgam were allegedly subject to extortion by certain officials. The situation escalated when drivers were allegedly coerced into paying bribes to facilitate the unloading process.
The ACB’s investigation resulted in the arrest of two key individuals central to the alleged extortion racket. Ab Majeed Sheikh, owner of Sheikh Suppliers and Contractors, was apprehended for his alleged role in orchestrating the scheme. Tajamul Hassan Shah, an FCI weigher, was also taken into custody for his purported involvement in soliciting and accepting bribes from truck drivers.
As per the complaint and subsequent investigations, it is alleged that AbMajeed Sheikh instructed drivers to deposit Rs 1500 into his personal bank account even before their trucks were unloaded. Tajamul Hassan Shah allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 3500 from drivers to expedite the unloading process.
The ACB executed a meticulously planned sting operation, leading to the capture of Tajamul Hassan Shah accepting a bribe of Rs 3500 from a truck driver. The marked currency was recovered from Shah at the scene, serving as tangible evidence of the alleged extortion.
Disturbingly, the investigation uncovered that this extortion practice was not isolated. Multiple drivers who transport food grains for FCI came forward, alleging that they were compelled to pay bribes before their trucks were unloaded. Those who refused to comply reportedly faced significant delays.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, it was revealed that AbMajeed Sheikh, the alleged mastermind, is also accused in aRs 30 crore financial fraud case involving J&K Bank. The ACB had previously charge-sheeted him in connection with this bank fraud.
The investigation is ongoing, with ACB officials delving further into the network of individuals associated with FCI’s Chandporagodown. It is anticipated that more arrests may follow as the ACB uncovers more layers of corruption within the organization.
These revelations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to root out corruption from critical sectors. The ACB’s efforts, as the investigation continues, hold the potential to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in FCI’s operations.