Srinagar, August 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Ward No. 28, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a complainant.
According to the ACB, a written complaint was received alleging that Akhter had demanded illegal gratification in connection with the construction of two structures, despite the complainant having obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority.
The complainant further alleged that the accused official was deliberately delaying and obstructing the ongoing construction, allegedly with the intention of putting pressure on him to pay the demanded amount.
Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. Subsequently, FIR No. 11/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team. The team subsequently laid a trap and apprehended Gazala Akhter red-handed while allegedly 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.
The ACB said that further investigation in the case is underway.
