SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a Patwari posted in Kathua district after allegedly catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant.
According to an ACB spokesperson, the accused has been identified as Khajan Chand, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Mahanpur in Kathua. A case under FIR No. 05/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Jammu under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The ACB said the accused had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant for providing revenue documents after the mutation of land had been attested in favour of the complainant’s sister. The complainant had allegedly already paid Rs 9,000, while the Patwari was reportedly demanding the remaining Rs 11,000. Following negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at Rs 10,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a complaint seeking legal action against the accused.
The bureau said a discreet verification was conducted, which confirmed the allegations of bribery. Based on the findings, a formal case was registered and an investigation was initiated.
Subsequently, an ACB trap team laid a trap and allegedly caught the Patwari red-handed while accepting the bribe amount from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.
The accused was arrested on the spot after completing the required legal formalities, while the tainted money was recovered from his possession in the presence of the witnesses, the ACB said.
The bureau further said searches were also being conducted at the accused’s residence in accordance with the law. Further investigation into the case is underway.
