Rajouri, March 17, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a meter reader of the Power Development Department (PDD) in Rajouri after allegedly catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a complainant, officials said.
The case was registered at Police Station ACB Rajouri under FIR No. 03/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act on March 17.
According to officials, the accused, identified as Arif Iqbal, was presently posted as a meter reader in PDD Rajouri.
The action follows a complaint filed by a local resident who alleged that the official demanded money in exchange for adjusting an electricity bill.
Officials said the complainant had been running a tyre shop between 2019 and 2021 and continued to hold an electricity connection, regularly paying bills.
In February 2026, he received a bill amounting to Rs 2,497 for the period from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
Subsequently, the accused allegedly approached the complainant and demanded Rs 50,000 to “manage” future billing issues.
When the complainant refused and insisted on paying as per meter readings, the accused allegedly threatened to increase the bill amount, officials said.
On March 5, the accused reportedly handed over another bill for the period from January 31 to February 28, 2026, showing an amount of Rs 1,53,890, significantly higher than previous bills.
Officials said the accused again demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000, which was later negotiated down to Rs 30,000.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is a specialized investigative agency in Jammu and Kashmir responsible for tackling corruption in public services. It was earlier known as the Vigilance Organization before being restructured and renamed as ACB. The bureau investigates cases related to bribery, misuse of official position, disproportionate assets and other corruption-related offences involving government officials. It also conducts trap operations to catch accused officials red-handed while accepting bribes. The ACB operates under the Prevention of Corruption Act and plays a key role in promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in governance.
The complainant then approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action.
Following the complaint, the ACB constituted a trap team to verify the allegations.
Officials said the team laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 30,000 from the complainant.
The accused was arrested on the spot, officials said.
Searches were later conducted at the residence of the accused in Rajouri as part of the investigation.
Officials said further investigation in the case is ongoing. [KNT]
