SMC initiates action against Ward officer over sting video

Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated action against one of its Ward officers who was allegedly seen in a video demanding money to facilitate illegal constructions in his area of jurisdiction in the city.
In a purported video clip, SMC officer for Ward number 5 Mohammad Sayeed and some of his subordinates were seen settling a deal with undercover reporters of a local newspaper for allowing illegal constructions against a consideration of Rs 1.5 lakh.
The video of the sting operation has gone viral in the Valley, forcing the authorities to act against the officials.
"We have attached the officials who were shown in the video and initiated an inquiry into the matter," SMC Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Zargar said.

There has been a manifold increase in illegal constructions in the Valley, especially in the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2014.
The state High Court, which is hearing a Public Interest Litigation on the matter, has passed a slew of directions to curb the illegal constructions.