Anti-corruption body holds PDP MLC guilty, recommends action

Pointing out that the money was paid to Panditpuri in the presence of PDP secretary Pir Saif-ud-Din and a local leader, Haji Ghulam Ahmad War, at his residence in Baramulla, the complainant submitted before the commission that he was impressed with the MLC as he had managed state government job for two sons of Ghulam Ahmad Lone, another PDP leader.

Before joining PDP, Panditpuri had been National Conference MLA representing Langate assembly constituency. However, as Panditpuri could not arrange jobs for his son and son-in-law, the complainant asked him to repay the money. When the former did not respond, the latter filed a complaint against him before the State Accountability Commission.

Pointing out that a thorough inquiry was conducted into the complaint and Panditpuri given full opportunity to defend himself, the Commission comprising its acting chairperson Justice G.L. Raina and Muzaffar Jan member concluded that the charge against the legislator for demanding and accepting Rs 60,000 to arrange employment for complainant8217;s son and son-in-law was substantially and conclusively established.