BJP suspends Pulwama district chief after FIR over extortion, intimidation allegations

Pulwama: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended its Pulwama district president Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi following the registration of an FIR against him over allegations of extortion, criminal intimidation and obstruction of authorised developmental work.

The suspension order, issued by BJP J&K State General Secretary Mohammad Anwar Khan, said disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Andrabi in view of the FIR registered against him in Pulwama.

“Disciplinary proceedings are hereby initiated against Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi, District President, BJP Pulwama, in view of the FIR alleging extortion registered against him,” the order reads.

Pending the finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings, the party has suspended Andrabi from all organisational posts and responsibilities of the BJP, including his position as District President, Pulwama, with immediate effect.

The order was issued on on the recommendation of Advocate Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the BJP J&K Disciplinary Committee, and in consultation with BJP J&K president Sat Sharma (CA), MP, and Mohammad Anwar Khan, General Secretary of the party.

The development comes a day after details emerged of an FIR registered at Police Station Pulwama against Andrabi on the complaint of a civilian contractor.

According to the FIR, the contractor alleged that Andrabi had repeatedly interfered with authorised soil-extraction and transportation work, demanded illegal payments and threatened workers with being “booked under PSA” if they failed to comply with his demands.

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections pertaining to wrongful restraint, extortion, attempted extortion by putting a person in fear of injury, criminal intimidation and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.

The complainant, Mohammad Yaseen Ganie of Budgam, has alleged that he was operating under permissions issued by competent authorities for work connected with Gurudwara Parbandhak, Barthana.

The complaint further alleges that Andrabi had demanded ₹5 lakh and that the contractor subsequently made payments totalling ₹54,000 amid alleged pressure and threats. The allegations are subject to investigation.

The police have assigned the investigation to an Assistant Sub-Inspector-rank officer.

The BJP, meanwhile, said the suspension was linked to the FIR and emphasised its commitment to organisational discipline and standards of integrity and morality in public life.

“The Party reiterates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity and morality in public life,” the suspension order states.