Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested Dr. Bilquees Ara, a Scientist-B at the State Pollution Control Board, following a written complaint filed against her. The complaint alleges that Dr. Bilquees demanded a bribe for expediting the issuance of a ‘Consent To Operate’ (CTO) for a bakery unit located at the Industrial Estate in Khunmoh.
According to the complainant, who sought the CTO in November 2023, Dr. Bilquees purportedly delayed the processing of the application. In an attempt to expedite the matter, the complainant visited Dr. Bilquees at the Pollution Control Board office on the 6th of this month. During the meeting, it is alleged that Dr. Bilquees solicited a bribe of ₹20,000 from the complainant for the swift issuance of the CTO. Following negotiations, the bribe amount was allegedly settled at ₹5,000.
The arrest comes as the Anti-Corruption Bureau takes action based on the formal complaint, initiating an investigation into the alleged corrupt practices by Dr. Bilquees Ara in her role at the State Pollution Control Board.
