Shimla: Sub divisional magistrate BR Kamal arrested on Saturday in Rohru allegedly over graft was quizzed over Rs 2 lakh cash being recovered from his official residence and about a under construction house in Chandigarh by vigilance and anti-corruption officials.
Head of the investigation team that arrested the HAS (Himachal Administrative Services) officer, Additional Superintendent Police (ASP) Arvind Negi said, “Kamal was produced before the court and custodial interrogation was permitted. The arrested officer is again to be produced in court on Monday.â€
The police believes that the money recovered from the magistrates residence was allegedly taken from a hydropower company executing a small project in the area as bribe for ensuring compulsory land acquisition in favour of the company.
Before raiding the residence of the officer, vigilance sleuths had him under surveillance as they had prior information about the dealing going on with the hydropower company.
During the investigation, the arrested officer was also being questioned about a house being constructed at Navgaon, on the outskirts of Chandigarh and close to PGI, police sources said.
Investigators had sealed records at the Rohru office and to account for assets owned by the officer details of property and bank accounts were being collected.
The HAS has been booked under section 7 and 32 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kamal prior to being appointed SDM Rohru, about two years ago, was the regional transport officer at Hamirpur.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads the team of media professionals at Hill Post.
In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
