Srinagar, April 4, KNT: A review of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) cases over the past several years indicates a consistent pattern of bribery allegations involving revenue officials in Jammu and Kashmir, with Patwaris accounting for the majority of trap cases and supervisory officials appearing less frequently.
The trend, observed through year-wise case records and chargesheets, highlights persistent corruption complaints in land administration.
Between 2019 and 2020, multiple Patwaris were trapped in bribery cases across districts, with allegations typically involving small payments for land mutation and issuance of revenue documents.
The period marked the beginning of frequent trap operations targeting field-level revenue staff.
In 2021, similar cases continued, with a noticeable rise in complaints linked to digitized land records. Some cases also indicated indirect involvement of supervisory officials, including Naib Tehsildars.
The year 2022 saw intensified enforcement, with several trap operations conducted by the ACB. Patwaris remained the most frequently booked officials, while some cases pointed to coordinated activity involving more than one official.
Read: “Epstein Files: Jeffrey Epstein & His Sex-Trafficking Network
In 2023, authorities filed multiple chargesheets in corruption cases, including instances where revenue officials were allegedly working in coordination with private beneficiaries in land-related matters.
Tehsildar-level involvement, though limited in number, appeared in cases involving higher-value transactions.
The trend continued in 2024, with repeated trap cases against Patwaris accused of accepting bribes for routine services. Investigations also began focusing on broader patterns of systemic corruption.
In 2025, ACB investigations expanded to include cases of alleged collusion among multiple officials, indicating a shift from isolated incidents to more structured probes.
In the latest developments in 2026, cases have emerged involving both Patwaris and Naib Tehsildars, including chargesheets filed in bribery-related matters, officials said.
Officials say the trend reflects the structural nature of land administration, where field officials handle high volumes of public interaction.
“Greater exposure leads to higher complaint rates, especially at the entry level,” they said.
Despite ongoing enforcement, the persistence of cases suggests that systemic challenges remain in ensuring transparency in revenue services. [KNT]
