SRINAGAR, May 31, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested a Patwari from Anantnag district after he was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹10,000.
According to an official spokesperson, the ACB received a written complaint from a resident of Lukbhawan, Larkipora, Tehsil Dooru, alleging that a Patwari had demanded a bribe in exchange for a favourable report related to pruning branches of a Chinar tree near the complainant’s residence.
The complainant had submitted an application to the Tehsil Office Dooru, requesting action on the tree branches, which posed a threat to life and property due to strong winds. The application was subsequently forwarded to the concerned Patwari for verification. However, when approached, the Patwari allegedly demanded ₹10,000 to issue the report.
Choosing not to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB with evidence of the demand. Following discreet verification that confirmed the bribery attempt, the ACB registered an FIR (No. 01/2025) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at the ACB Police Station Anantnag.
A trap team was constituted and laid a successful trap. The accused Patwari was caught in the act while receiving the bribe money. He was immediately arrested, and the entire bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
Following the arrest, a search was also conducted at the residence of the accused in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses.
Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB spokesperson added. (KDC)
