MeT predicts Rain, Snow from 23rd to 25th October in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 17 (NVI): The Meteorological Department Srinagar on Thursday said the weather is expected to become generally cloudy from 24th October, with light rain in lower areas and light snow over isolated higher reaches, mainly in the evening and night.

“The weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir from 17th to 22nd October 2024 predicts generally dry conditions across the region,” the MeT department said, adding that there are no significant weather events expected during this period, with clear and dry weather likely to prevail.

“However, on 23rd October, the weather is expected to become generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain in lower areas and light snow over isolated higher reaches, particularly in the evening and night,” it said, adding that this change in weather is likely to affect several places across the region.

“From 24th to 25th October, the region will experience generally cloudy skies with a higher chance of light to moderate rain, as well as light snow in the higher altitude areas. Rainfall is expected to be fairly widespread, affecting many parts of the region,” it added.

“Farmers are advised to continue with their harvesting activities, ensure proper storage of harvested crops, and carry out other necessary farm operations,” it said.

“Tourists and trekkers are advised to plan their travels carefully, especially during 24th and 25th October, due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow,” it said.—(News Vibes of India)

ACB Arrests AEE PWD Sopore for Accepting ₹25,000 Bribe in 2% Commission Scandal

Baramulla, October 16:- The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Mubarak Ahmad Ganie, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Public Works Department (R&B) Division Sopore, for accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 from a local contractor. The arrest followed a complaint that Ganie had been demanding a 2% commission as a bribe to process the contractor’s bill.

According to the complainant, who is overseeing the construction of a Lecture Block (G+2) at the Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore, AEE Ganie demanded a 2% commission on the current bill and previously cleared bills as a condition for processing the payment. Despite the Junior Engineer (JE) having prepared and checked the 8th running bill, Ganie refused to forward it for payment without receiving the bribe.

Unwilling to comply, the contractor approached the ACB with a formal complaint, requesting legal action against the AEE. Acting swiftly, the ACB verified the complaint and found prima facie evidence of misconduct, warranting an investigation under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.

An FIR (No. 13-2024) was registered, and a trap team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP), was formed. On October 16, 2024, the team successfully trapped and arrested Ganie, catching him red-handed while accepting the ₹25,000 bribe at his office. The bribe money was recovered on the spot in the presence of independent witnesses, and additional cash was found during a personal search.

Following the arrest, Ganie’s residence and official quarters were searched, and incriminating documents were seized in the presence of a magistrate and independent witnesses. He was presented before the Special Judge of the Anti-Corruption Court in Baramulla and was remanded to police custody for nine days.

Further investigations into the case are ongoing.