Srinagar, Sep 11, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested a Patwari after allegedly catching him red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant for issuance of a Fard (revenue extract) in Budgam district.
The accused public servant has been identified as Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, Budgam.
According to the ACB, it received a written complaint alleging that the Patwari had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for issuing the Fard. The complainant, a resident of Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, had applied online for issuance of the revenue extract on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his grandfather, who was stated to be old-aged and unable to pursue the matter himself.
The ACB said that after submitting the application, the complainant approached the concerned Patwari to enquire about its status. The Patwari allegedly initially told him that the Revenue Department’s online portal was not functioning and asked him to return later.
According to the complaint, the complainant subsequently visited the Patwari Khana several times, but the matter was allegedly delayed on different grounds. The Patwari eventually allegedly demanded Rs 12,000 for issuance of the Fard, which was later negotiated and settled at Rs 10,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a written complaint.
The ACB said it conducted verification of the allegations, which prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification. Subsequently, Case FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up.
A trap team was constituted and trap proceedings were conducted. During the operation, the accused Patwari was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant.
The bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses, following which he was taken into custody in accordance with law.
The ACB said further investigation in the case is underway. [KNT]
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