SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a revenue official in Samba district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe, and subsequently recovered over Rs 35 lakh in cash from his vehicle.
The Bureau said it has registered a case (FIR No. 19/2025) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Sunil Kumar, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Dadui, Tehsil and District Samba, for demanding illegal gratification from a complainant.
According to officials, Kumar allegedly demanded Rs 1,00,000 from the complainant for preparing a report sought by the Tehsildar Samba on an application related to the correction of Girdawari. After negotiation, the accused agreed to accept Rs 80,000. The complainant, who was unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which then initiated verification of the allegations.
A discreet verification confirmed the demand, prompting the ACB to register a case and constitute a trap team. The team laid a trap and caught the Patwari red-handed while accepting Rs 20,000 as part of the agreed bribe amount. The operation was conducted in the presence of independent witnesses, and the accused was arrested on the spot after following due legal procedures.
During a subsequent search of his personal vehicle, the ACB recovered more than Rs 35 lakh in cash, which was seized in the presence of a magistrate. Searches were also conducted at his residence.
An ACB spokesperson said that further investigation in the case is underway to determine the source of the recovered cash and any possible links to other officials or transactions.
