ARFAT KHAN
Jammu: Despite tough posture by Governor Satya Pal Malik against corruption, KAS officer Sonu Pargal against whom FIR has been lodged by Anti Corruption Bureau for alleged acceptance of Rs 2 crore from the complainant in lieu of whooping enhancement of land compensation is still showered with favor by none other than the General Administration Department.
Politically well connected Sonu Pargal’s residence and office were raided by sleuths of Anti Corruption Bureau on Dec 28, 2018 after registration of FIR No 46/2018 u/s 5(1) d read with Sec 5(2) of J&K PC Act Svt 2006 and Sec 120-B RPC.
However, knowingly that FIR has been registered by ACB and there are several strong evidences which indicts Pargal involvement in acceptance of crores of rupees for enhancing the land compensation rate in favor of the land owner, the GAD preferably sitting silent on Pargal case as the alleged accused has neither been attached nor transferred.
As per the GAD website which JKGN accessed today at 2PM, Sonu Pargal is still shown has ACR, Udhampur. Interestingly, the GAD vide its order No 178 of 2019 issued on dated Feb 05, 2019 has appointed Vikar Ahmad Giri, SDM Ramsoo as ACR Udhampur against an available vacancy. Interestingly prior to Vikar posting, Sonu Pargal was ACR Udhampur.
Surprisingly, though the state administration has appointed successor to Pargal’s as ACR Udhampur but there is no official order pertaining to Sonu Pargal status in the administration.
“ACB has registered FIR against Pargal and as per precedence he should be placed under suspension and attached with GAD. But, what happen in case of Sonu Pargal is a mystery” said sources in GAD.
“Its mockery of Governor tough stand against corruption that the administration is mum on fate of action against the corrupt officer, said an officer of GAD. Referring to Pargal, another officer in GAD said “He still occupying the post of ACR Udhampur in GAD website when normally he should be shown as attached after registration of FIR by ACB in multi crore corruption case”
It’s worth to mention here that for ensuing benefit to land holders, Sonu Pargal, the then ACR Samba and Raghubir Sharma, the then Naib Tehsildar Ghagwal demanded and accepted the bribe amounting to Rs.1.95 crore and Rs.38.50 lakh respectively from the father of complainant Amit Mahajan for acquisition of land measuring 495 kanals and 8 ½ marlas falling under Khasra No.376/323, 516, 496, 682/179 at village Sungawali, Tehsil Ghagwal District Samba.
JKGN made several attempts to contact Hilal Ahmad Parray, Commissioner Secretary GAD to elicit his view on this matter but he was not available.