SDM in graft case: CM warns firms against bribing Himachal officials

Dhumal was concerned about the growing numbers of officials getting involved in corruption. Last week,sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Rohru B R Kamal was held with Rs 2 lakh by the Vigilance Bureau. In February,an SDM of Chamba district (posted at Tissa) was arrested with Rs 12 lakh cash.

Kamal was suspended after his arrest and remanded to police custody till today. But his matter did not come up for hearing due to the unavailability of the Special Judge in Shimla.

The bureau had raided the former SDM’s house on information that he has received money for favouring a hydel power company during land acquisition.

1But the Vigilance team chanced upon a startling revelation when they found four minor girls,aged between 14 and 18,in the house. DIG Vigilance S P S Verma said,“The matter pertaining to recovery of four minor girls (14-18) from his residence at Rohru during the raid. They have been referred to the state commission for women and district police,Shimla. The girls have been handed over to their family members,who have not registered any complaint against the SDM as yet.”

There were also unconfirmed reports that he had charged money from an Andhra Pradesh-based hydro power company for executing a hydro project in Rohru. The vigilance department also found details of two plots,one of which is under construction in Nayagraon area adjacent to Chandigarh. Initial investigations have revealed that the property seems to have been underestimated,though each one is pegged at around Rs 25 lakhs.

A committee formed by Deputy Commissioner of Shimla J S Rana under the Additional Divisional Magistrate (Law and Order) is also looking into other irregularities that could have been committed by Kamal.