Jammu, Feb 18, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Wednesday apprehended a public servant in Reasi district in connection with a bribery case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Officials said FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Act was registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur against Mohd Saleem Banday, posted as Girdawar of Halqa Judda in Tehsil Arnas, for allegedly demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a complainant.
According to the ACB, the accused had demanded a bribe for carrying out demarcation of ancestral land, an official duty he was legally bound to perform without any monetary consideration. The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau for legal action.
Following receipt of the complaint, the Bureau conducted discreet verification which reportedly confirmed the demand. On the basis of these findings, a formal case was registered and investigation was initiated.
A trap team headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police was constituted to lay a trap. During the operation, the accused was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses. The bribe amount was recovered from his possession on the spot, officials said.
Subsequently, a search of the accused’s residential premises at Sallian Talab, Udhampur, was conducted in the presence of a Magistrate in accordance with legal provisions.
Officials further stated that two previous FIRs are already registered against the accused at Police Station ACB Udhampur. Further investigation in the case is underway. [KNT]
