Shopian, Dec 20 (KDC): The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday trapped and arrested a Patwari for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 for furnishing a favourable revenue report in Shopian district.
Officials said the accused has been identified as Ashiq Hussain Shah, posted as Patwari of Patwar Halqa Pinjura–Pehlipora, Shopian.
According to an ACB spokesperson, the bureau received a written complaint from a person alleging that he had submitted an application at the Tehsil Office Shopian seeking equal distribution of ancestral property among four sisters, including his wife and sister-in-law. The application, submitted around three months ago, was forwarded by the Tehsildar Shopian to the concerned Patwari for necessary action.
“When the complainant approached the Patwari, he allegedly demanded ₹25,000 as illegal gratification for submitting a favourable report,” the spokesperson said.
Refusing to pay the bribe, the complainant instead approached the Anti Corruption Bureau. Following receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted, which confirmed the demand of bribe. Consequently, FIR No. 05/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Anantnag and investigation was taken up.
During the investigation, a trap team was constituted, which successfully caught the Patwari red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount. He was arrested on the spot, and the tainted cash was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
Subsequently, a search of the residential house of the accused was conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses.
Further investigation in the case is underway. (KDC)
