SIALKOT: The Anti-Corruption Establishment has arrested a Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department. The officer was allegedly caught accepting a Rs15,000 bribe.
According to police, the arrested official has been identified as Sharif Ghumman. He allegedly demanded money from an employee named Zeeshan.
The FIR states that Ghumman sought Rs15,000 to help facilitate Zeeshan’s transfer. The Anti-Corruption team later conducted an operation against the accused.
A case has been registered at the Anti-Corruption Police Station in Sialkot. Officials said further investigation into the matter is continuing.
The FIR also details resistance during the raid. According to the complaint, some associates of the accused allegedly locked the Anti-Corruption team inside the office.
The suspects allegedly attempted to stop officials from carrying out the operation. They also reportedly resisted the raiding team during the action.
Officials said members of the team were allegedly subjected to violence. Another case has been registered over the alleged interference with official duties.
The second case also covers an alleged attempt to free the arrested officer from the Anti-Corruption team’s custody. Six suspects have been nominated in the case.
A female employee is among those named in the second FIR. Police have also included around 13 to 14 unidentified individuals in the case.
Authorities said legal action will continue against those found involved in the incident. The investigation is expected to determine the role of each suspect.
Anti-Corruption Circle Officer Rana Mubashir said strict action would be taken against corrupt government officials. He warned that officials involved in demanding or receiving bribes would face consequences.
The arrest comes amid other recent bribery cases involving government officials. Earlier in August, the Federal Investigation Agency arrested three Pakistan Customs officials.
The arrested officials included a superintendent and two inspectors. They were accused of demanding money from a complainant for providing undue favour.
According to an FIA official, the suspects initially demanded Rs5 million. The amount was later negotiated to Rs2.5 million.
The officials allegedly threatened to involve the complainant’s family members and associates in the criminal case. The FIA later secured approval from the competent authority.
Following legal formalities, an Anti-Corruption Circle team conducted a trap raid in Islamabad. The operation was carried out at a cafe in Sector I-8.
The latest Sialkot case has again raised concerns over alleged corruption within government departments. Authorities have assured that those found guilty will face action under the law.
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The investigation into the Deputy Director and other suspects remains underway. Further developments are expected as investigators record statements and examine evidence.
