Srinagar, Aug 20, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a Junior Building Inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) after she was allegedly caught demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a complainant in connection with construction activity in Batamaloo area of Srinagar.
The accused, Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector, SMC Ward Batamaloo, was apprehended in Mominabad, during a trap laid by the ACB.
According to the complaint, the accused had allegedly demanded illegal gratification from the complainant, reportedly a builder, in connection with the construction of two structures despite the complainant having already obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority.
The complainant alleged that the official was deliberately delaying and obstructing the ongoing construction, causing harassment and putting pressure on him to pay the demanded amount.
The accused official was reportedly on leave on Thursday when the ACB trap was carried out.
Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was subsequently registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar.
A trap team was constituted during the investigation and the accused was allegedly apprehended red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹10,000 from the complainant.
The bribe amount was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which she was taken into custody.
Further investigation in the case is in progress. [KNT]
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