SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar has arrested Deputy Director Agriculture Law Enforcement Naseer Ahmad Khan and an alleged tout after trapping them while demanding and accepting Rs 50,000 in illegal gratification from a seed dealer, the agency said.
According to the ACB, Khan had allegedly demanded Rs 2 lakh from the complainant to allow him to sell plant seeds at his shop. The complainant had already paid Rs 1 lakh and, following negotiations, the remaining amount was to be paid in two instalments of Rs 50,000 each.
Unwilling to make further payments, the complainant approached the ACB and sought legal action against the accused public servant.
The bureau said verification of the complaint prima facie established the allegation of illegal gratification. Subsequently, FIR No. 16/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigation was taken up thereafter.
On September 30, 2026, the ACB constituted a trap team to catch the accused while accepting the bribe.
During the operation, Khan, posted as Deputy Director Agriculture Law Enforcement, was allegedly caught along with Mohd Owais Bhat, a resident of Qamarwari, whom the ACB described as his tout, while demanding and accepting Rs 50,000 from the complainant.
Both men were arrested on the spot, while the alleged tainted bribe amount of Rs 50,000 was recovered from their possession, the ACB said.
The accused were subsequently subjected to medico-legal formalities and lodged at Police Station Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, for safe custody.
The ACB said further investigation into the case is in progress.
