Jammu, Apr 6, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday trapped and arrested a Junior Assistant posted in the Social Welfare Department at Billawar in Kathua district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a complainant.
An official spokesperson said that the ACB Jammu registered FIR No. 03/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the accused, identified as Des Raj, who was posted as Junior Assistant in the Social Welfare Department, Billawar.
According to the complaint, the accused had demanded a bribe of ₹10,000 for facilitating the release of financial assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme for the complainant’s daughter, whose marriage is scheduled for April 16. After negotiations, the accused allegedly agreed to accept ₹5,000.
The complainant had already paid ₹1,500 earlier and was being pressured to pay an additional ₹3,000 for the release of ₹50,000 assistance under the scheme. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB seeking legal action.
“On receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted, which confirmed the demand for bribe,” the spokesperson said, adding that a case was subsequently registered and investigation initiated.
During the investigation, a trap team was constituted, which laid a successful trap. The accused was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.
He was immediately arrested on the spot after completing legal formalities, and the bribe money was recovered from his possession.
The ACB further stated that searches are being conducted at the residence of the accused in Kishanpur, Billawar, in the presence of a Magistrate.
Further investigation into the case is underway. (KDC)
