Associated News Bureau

ACB Traps Patwari in Budgam, Arrests Him While Allegedly Accepting Rs 10,000 Bribe

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11 (ANB): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday trapped and arrested a Patwari while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 for issuance of a revenue extract (Fard) in Budgam district. According to an ACB statement, the accused has been identified as Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, Budgam. The case came to light after the complainant submitted an online application on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his elderly grandfather for issuance of the Fard. The complainant later approached the Patwari to enquire about the status of the application and was allegedly informed that the Revenue Department’s online portal was not functioning. According to the ACB, the matter was subsequently allegedly delayed on different pretexts during the complainant’s visits. The Patwari later allegedly demanded Rs 12,000 as illegal gratification, which was subsequently settled at Rs 10,000 following negotiations. Unwilling to pay the alleged bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a complaint. Following verification of the allegations, the Bureau registered FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Srinagar. The ACB subsequently constituted a trap team to verify the allegations and catch the accused while accepting the alleged bribe. During the trap operation, Bashir Ahmad Dar was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant. The alleged bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which he was taken into custody in accordance with law. Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB said. (ANB)