Jammu, Sep 2, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Junior Assistant for allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹15,000 bribe from a complainant for issuance of a marriage certificate under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
According to a statement issued by the ACB, the accused has been identified as Ajay Kumar, son of Late Ram Murti, a resident of Gango Chack, Gajansoo, Jammu, presently posted in the office of the Assistant Commissioner (General), Jammu.
The ACB said it received a written complaint alleging that the accused public servant had demanded ₹20,000 from the complainant for issuance of the marriage certificate. Following negotiations, the accused allegedly agreed to accept ₹15,000 as illegal gratification.
“Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and requested legal action against the accused public servant,” the ACB said in its statement.
The Bureau said it conducted a discreet verification after receiving the complaint, which established a prima facie case regarding the alleged demand for a bribe.
“Consequently, FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), was registered at Police Station ACB Central J&K, Jammu, and investigation was taken up,” the statement said.
During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which allegedly caught Kumar “red-handed” while demanding and accepting ₹15,000 from the complainant.
The accused was arrested on the spot, while the alleged bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings, the ACB said.
The Bureau subsequently 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,” the ACB said. (KDC)
