Jammu,July 15
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested a Patwari posted in Kathua district after allegedly catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a complainant.
According to an official ACB statement, FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Jammu against Khajan Chand, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Mahanpur, Kathua, for allegedly demanding and accepting illegal gratification.
Bribe Demand for Mutation Documents
The complainant alleged that the Patwari had demanded ₹20,000 for providing mutation-related documents after the mutation was attested in favour of the complainant’s sister. Out of the demanded amount, ₹9,000 had already been paid earlier. The remaining amount was later negotiated and settled at ₹10,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a complaint seeking legal action.
ACB Lays Successful Trap
Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which reportedly confirmed the allegations. Subsequently, a case was registered and an investigation was initiated.
A trap team was constituted, which successfully caught the accused Patwari red-handed while allegedly accepting the ₹10,000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.
Accused Arrested, Searches Conducted
The accused was arrested on the spot after completion of all legal formalities. The alleged bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
The ACB also conducted searches at the residential premises of the accused in accordance with the law.
Investigation Continues
The Anti-Corruption Bureau said that further investigation into the case is underway.
