Srinagar, Aug 21 : The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday placed a Junior Building Inspector under suspension, hours after she was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with a bribery case.
Gazala Akhter, posted at Ward No. 28 of the SMC, was taken into custody on August 20, 2026, following the registration of FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). The provision deals with offences relating to public servants obtaining illegal gratification.
In a formal order issued by the Office of the Commissioner, SMC, the corporation invoked Rule 31 of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, which mandates automatic suspension of a government employee from the date of arrest in a corruption case.
Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector, Ward No. 28, SMC shall be deemed to have been placed under suspension with effect from the date of her arrest i.e., 20.08.2026,” the order stated.
The suspension was prompted by a communication from the Senior Superintendent of Police, ACB, Srinagar, who had sought action against the accused official.
During the suspension period, Akhter has been attached to the office of the Joint Commissioner (Sanitation), SMC. She will be entitled to a subsistence allowance of 50 per cent of her salary — comprising half pay and half dearness allowance — as per Article 108-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, 1956.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, officials said. (KNS)
