Jammu, June 1, KDC: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday trapped and arrested a Forest Guard posted in Kishtwar district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹15,000 from a contractor for processing the release of security deposits linked to allotted works.
According to an ACB spokesperson, the bureau received a written complaint alleging that Vaseem Ahmad Hap, a Forest Guard of Forest Division Marwah and currently handling accounts-related work in the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), had demanded ₹20,000 as illegal gratification from the complainant.
The complainant alleged that the accused sought the bribe in return for expediting the release of security deposits pertaining to works allotted to him. Following negotiations, the accused reportedly agreed to accept ₹15,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and sought legal action against the official.
After receiving the complaint, ACB conducted a discreet verification which established a prima facie case regarding the demand of bribe by the accused public servant. Subsequently, FIR No. 07/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at Police Station ACB Central Jammu, and an investigation was initiated.
During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted, which laid a successful trap and apprehended the accused red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting ₹15,000 from the complainant.
The accused, identified as Vaseem Ahmad Hap, son of Manzoor Ahmad and a resident of Hidyal, Kishtwar, was immediately arrested on the spot. The bribe amount was also recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings.
Following the arrest, ACB teams conducted searches at the residential premises of the accused government employee in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.
Further investigation into the case is underway, officials said. (KDC)
