Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 29: The Special Judge Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases) Kashmir, Srinagar, has granted bail to JKAS Officer Sarfaraz Ahmad Bhat, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bribery case last week.
Bhat, serving as CTO Circle-B in the State Taxes Department, Srinagar, was arrested on September 19 following a trap laid by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch. He was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹20,000 from a trader at Budshah Chowk, Srinagar, in exchange for clearing GST-related files.
The defence, represented by Advocate Farooq Ahmad Kathwari, argued that Bhat was innocent, had deep roots in society, and should be released on bail as he posed no flight risk. The CBI, represented by Public Prosecutor Zahoor Malik, opposed the bail plea, citing the seriousness of corruption charges and the potential of the accused influencing witnesses.
After hearing both sides, the court observed that the maximum punishment for the offence is seven years, and keeping the accused in further custody would serve no purpose once recovery had already been effected. The court reiterated the principle that “bail is the rule and jail the exception”, noting that every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Bhat was admitted to bail on furnishing a bond of ₹1 lakh and was directed not to tamper with evidence, cooperate with the investigation, and not leave Jammu and Kashmir without prior court permission. (JNF) |
