Avinash Azad
Taking cognizance of The Hidden News report-based ordeal of a sub-contractor, who is allegedly being harassed by an Assistant Engineer and his contractor father of district Poonch, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has forwarded a complaint to the Commissioner CGST for further action GST defaulter case.
“Forwarding complaint made by Shri Mohd Azeem son of Mohd Aslam resident of Salonia Poonch. On Subject cited matter for taking action as deemed for. It is informed that no action has been taken by this office on the instant complaint being forwarded”, Dy.no.1942, dated 22/09/2023, a letter addressed to the Commissioner CGST by Head of Branch, CBI: SPE, ACB Jammu, Dr Vidyut Vikas reads.
It is pertinent to mention here that a sub-contractor from Poonch Mohd Azeem awaited at least two years for his due around Rs 1 crore, as a civil work sub-let to him through the JE (now AE). “I completed the works satisfactorily two years back, and now I’m being forced by the AE to run pillar to post to get cleared my dues”, said Azeem.
The engineer in question throughout his remained posted in PW(R&B) Division Poonch since his posting to date and made his fortune by abusing his official position. “For some time he was transferred out of the district, but using money power he again managed his posting in Poonch again and again. His father, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and maternal uncle all are contractors and made their fortune under his patronage, as he remained posted in the same division for years together”, sources informed and added that he was shifted out of the district on bases of complaint but having connection with ex-chief engineer PW(R&B) Jammu, (now retired), he managed his posted in electrical division and again reached Poonch. It is relevant to mention here that The Hidden News highlighted that the father of AE was GST defaulter has been suspended by the State Taxes Department (STD), as he has not deposited GST to the tune of Rs 95 lacs rupees causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.
“Despite clear-cut notice against his father issued by the State Taxes Department to the Executive Engineer PW(R&B) Division Poonch to release any payment in his favour, the son AE, now TO to XEn using his clout released the payment”, sources said, adding that the Crime Branch should take suo moto cognizance of this news report.
