SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday filed a chargesheet against former Tehsildar of Qaziabad, Kralgund, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, and a private individual, Rafi Ahmad Lone, before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, in connection with an alleged Rs 1 lakh bribery case.
According to the ACB, the chargesheet has been filed in FIR No. 04/2025 after completion of the investigation and obtaining prosecution sanction from the competent authority.
The case originated from a complaint alleging that the then tehsildar had demanded a bribe for granting permission to cut walnut trees for commercial purposes. Following verification of the allegations, the ACB registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and launched an investigation.
The bureau said a trap was laid on June 20, 2025, during which Bhat was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the remaining bribe amount of Rs 50,000 at Kralgund in Handwara. The tainted money was recovered during the operation in accordance with legal procedures.
The ACB said both the former revenue officer and the private individual were arrested in connection with the case and were later granted bail by the court.
With the filing of the chargesheet before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, the case will now proceed for judicial determination.
