21/12/2025
ACB Traps Patwari Red-Handed While Accepting ₹25,000 Bribe in Shopian
Shopian, December 20:
In a significant action against corruption, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday trapped and arrested a Patwari for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 in Shopian district.
The accused has been identified as Ashiq Hussain Shah, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Pinjura Pehlipora, Shopian. The arrest followed a written complaint alleging demand of illegal gratification in connection with a land revenue matter.
According to the complaint, the complainant had submitted an application at the Tehsil Office Shopian seeking equal distribution of ancestral property among four sisters, including his wife and sister-in-law. The application was forwarded by the Tehsildar concerned to the Patwari for necessary action nearly three months ago. However, when the complainant approached the Patwari to pursue the matter, he allegedly demanded ₹25,000 as bribe for submitting a favourable report.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti Corruption Bureau for legal recourse. Acting on the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which confirmed the demand of bribe by the Patwari.
Consequently, FIR No. 05/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Anantnag, and investigation was taken up. A trap team was constituted, which successfully caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount.
The Patwari was arrested on the spot, and the tainted money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses. Following the arrest, a search of the residential premises of the accused was carried out in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses.
Further investigation into the case is in progress.
— Rahies Ajmil
JK Top News
