The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has achieved a significant breakthrough with the recovery of more than ₹35 lakh in cash following the successful trapping of a Patwari from Samba district.
The Bureau registered FIR No. 19/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Sunil Kumar, Patwari, Patwar Halqa Dadui, Tehsil and District Samba, for demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a complainant.
As per the complaint, the accused public servant had demanded a bribe of ₹1,00,000 from the complainant for preparing a report sought by the Tehsildar Samba regarding correction of Girdawari. After negotiations, the demand was reduced to ₹80,000. The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, managed ₹20,000 as part payment and approached the ACB, seeking legal action against the accused.
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Bureau conducted a discreet verification, which confirmed the bribe demand. Consequently, a formal case was registered at Police Station ACB Jammu, and investigation commenced.
During the investigation, a trap team was constituted, which laid a successful trap. The accused Patwari was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses. Following due legal procedure, he was arrested on the spot, and the tainted bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of the witnesses.
During a subsequent search of the accused’s personal vehicle, a substantial sum of over ₹35 lakh in cash was recovered and seized. A further search of his residential premises was also carried out in the presence of Executive Magistrates.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
