RAJESH TANDON
EARLY TIMES REPORT
POONCH, Jan 4: Although the recent action of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against a former ACR Poonch for illegal mutation of land records, which has raised a ray of hope among those whose were cheated but there are still several such officials in Rajouri and Poonch districts, who are grossly involved in making illegal mutations of land records for their vested interests.
Sources told Early Times that the revenue officials in both districts have been violating RTI Act by denying replies of various RTI applications which are potential to expose their unlawful activities. As per an RTI applicant, there are several incidents that have been reported in both districts wherein some former revenue officials have allegedly tempered the revenue records and allotted mahajar raqba and made mutations fraudulently in name of land mafia and earned money in this nefarious manner.
He further said these corrupt officials have looted and plundered the govt exchequer by misusing their powers. If anyone tries to seek information about wrong mutations, the reply is not given. RTI applications are gathering dust in the office of the revenue department. Besides, there are other departments including the Social Welfare Department wherein RTI applications are not being replied to.
Appreciating ACB for producing chargesheet against Shafiq Ahmed, then ACR Poonch, now Addl. Secretary Science & Technology Department, Civil Secretariat J&K and others for illegal mutation of land records in the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Rajouri, he appealed that more such actions are needed on the corrupt officials who are still sitting in the offices and doing unlawful activities.
When Early Times contacted the concerned official, he said that they have been facing shortage of staff as they have been receiving a lot of RTIs. |
