Jammu, July 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested a Patwari posted at Patwar Halqa Mahanpur in Kathua district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a complainant in connection with providing mutation-related documents.
According to an official statement, the ACB registered FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Jammu against Khajan Chand, Patwari, Patwar Halqa Mahanpur (Kathua).
The case was registered following a complaint alleging that the Patwari had demanded ₹20,000 as illegal gratification for providing documents after getting a mutation attested in favour of the complainant’s sister. The complainant informed the ACB that he had already paid ₹9,000, while the accused was insisting on the remaining ₹11,000. After negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at ₹10,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau seeking legal action against the accused.
Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which reportedly substantiated the allegations of bribery. Subsequently, a formal case was registered, and an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which laid a successful trap. The accused Patwari was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the ₹10,000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.
The accused was arrested on the spot after completion of the required legal formalities. The tainted bribe money was also recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings.
The ACB further stated that searches are being conducted at the residential premises of the accused in accordance with the law and in the presence of independent witnesses.
Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB added.
