SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped a Junior Building Inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant.
The accused, Gazala Akhter, posted as Junior Building Inspector in SMC Ward No. 28, Srinagar, allegedly demanded the bribe in connection with the construction of two structures, despite the complainant having already obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority, the ACB said.
According to the ACB, the complainant alleged that Akhter was deliberately delaying and obstructing the ongoing construction, causing harassment and putting pressure on him to pay the demanded amount.
Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. Subsequently, FIR No. 11/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
A trap team was then constituted to catch the accused. During the operation, Akhter was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant.
The bribe amount was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which she was taken into custody.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
