ACB arrests Patwari, associate while accepting Rs 70,000 bribe in Jammu
Jammu: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday said it has arrested a Patwari and his associate after allegedly catching them red-handed while demanding and accepting a Rs 70,000 bribe for issuing two revenue extracts (Fards) in Jammu.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said in a significant action against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu & Kashmir, today trapped and arrested Shashi Kumar, Patwari, Patwar Halqa Gole, and his assistant, Harkeerat Singh, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000.
He said the ACB received a written complaint alleging that the accused had demanded Rs 70,000 as illegal gratification from the complainant for issuing two Fards (revenue extracts). Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and sought legal action against the accused officials.
“Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which established a prima facie case of bribery. Accordingly, FIR No. 08/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Central, Jammu, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was initiated,” said the spokesperson.
He said during the course of the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which successfully laid a trap. The accused public servants were caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 70,000 from the complainant. Both accused were arrested on the spot and the bribe money was recovered from their possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team.
“Following the arrests, searches were conducted at the residential premises of both accused in the presence of Executive Magistrates. Further investigation into the case is in progress.—(KNO)