Examiner Bureau | Kathua:
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against a Patwari posted in Kathua district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a complainant in exchange for issuing revenue documents.
According to an ACB spokesperson, FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, has been registered at Police Station ACB Jammu against Khajan Chand, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Mahanpur, Kathua.
The spokesperson said the accused had allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹20,000 from the complainant for providing documents related to a mutation that had already been attested in favour of the complainant’s sister. The complainant had reportedly paid ₹9,000 earlier, while the Patwari continued to demand the remaining amount. Following negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at ₹10,000 for issuing the required documents, including a copy of the mutation.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and sought legal action against the public servant.
Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which reportedly substantiated the allegations of bribery. Subsequently, a case was registered and an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which successfully apprehended the accused allegedly while accepting the ₹10,000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.
The accused was arrested on the spot after following the prescribed legal procedures. The alleged bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap operation.
The spokesperson further said that searches are being conducted at the accused’s residential premises in accordance with legal provisions, while further investigation into the case is underway.
