Srinagar, Sept 7:The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday arrested a land broker/tout, identified as Abdul Hamid Khan, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe on behalf of a Patwari in connection with the issuance of revenue extracts in Batamaloo area of Srinagar.
According to the ACB, it received a written complaint alleging that Saleem Altaf, Patwari, Halqa Batamaloo, Srinagar, through his associate Abdul Hamid Khan, had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for issuing revenue extracts pertaining to his house.
The complainant had reportedly applied online for the revenue extracts on behalf of his father for the purpose of attestation of mutation. The Patwari, through his alleged associate, initially demanded Rs 20,000 ,which was later settled at ₹16,000.
The complainant further alleged that Khan had already compelled him to pay an initial instalment of ₹5,000 on behalf of the accused Patwari, while a second instalment of ₹11,000 was allegedly demanded for issuance of the revenue extracts.
Following the complaint, the allegations were verified by the ACB and FIR No. 13/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the BNS.Investigation was subsequently taken up.
During the investigation, an ACB trap team was constituted. According to the agency, Khan was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹11,000 as illegal gratification on behalf of Patwari Saleem Altaf. The accused tout was taken into custody.
During his personal search, the ACB said it recovered the trap amount of ₹11,000, besides ₹25,125 in cash, payment slips, the revenue extract in question and a sale deed pertaining to Mohammad Sidiq Sheikh, son of Gh. Mohammad Sheikh.
The recovered articles have been seized as per procedure and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The ACB said the alleged involvement of Patwari Saleem Altaf in the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification through Khan is being ascertained.
Further investigation in the case is undeway
