Jammu, June 30: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday achieved another success in its anti-corruption drive by arresting a Patwari and his associate for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹70,000.
The accused have been identified as Shashi Kumar, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Gole, and his assistant Harkeerat Singh.
The action followed a written complaint alleging that the duo had demanded ₹70,000 from the complainant for issuing two revenue extracts (Fards). Refusing to pay the illegal gratification, the complainant approached the ACB and sought legal action.
Acting on the complaint, the ACB carried out a discreet verification, which revealed a prima facie case of corruption. Consequently, an FIR was registered at Police Station ACB Central, Jammu, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following which an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, a specially constituted trap team laid a successful trap and caught both accused red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting the bribe amount of ₹70,000 from the complainant. The tainted money was recovered from their possession in the presence of independent witnesses, and both accused were arrested on the spot.
Searches were also conducted at the residential premises of the accused in the presence of Executive Magistrates. Further investigation into the case is underway.
