Anti-Corruption Bureau nabs patwari demanding bribe in J&K

In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has swiftly responded to a written complaint from a resident of Machhedi, District Kathua, alleging bribery demands by a local Patwari, Gulshan Singh.

The complaint detailed how Gulshan Singh, the Patwari of Halqa Machhedi, Kathua, demanded a bribe of 5000 for the issuance of Virsati Intqal mutations and a legal heir certificate. The resident had applied for the documents through the online portal of the revenue department and subsequently met the Patwari for their issuance. Initially, an advance amount of 2000 was received, followed by a demand for the remaining 3000.

Acting promptly on the complaint, a Case FIR No. 02/2023 was registered at Police Station ACB Central, and an investigation was initiated as the contents of the complaint prima facie indicated the commission of an offence punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

A trap team was swiftly constituted as part of the investigation, which successfully laid a trap and apprehended the accused Patwari red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of 3000. The arrest was made in the presence of independent witnesses, following all legal formalities.

The swift and decisive action by the Anti-Corruption Bureau underscores the commitment to combatting corruption and upholding integrity within the administrative machinery.

Such proactive measures aim to restore public trust and ensure accountability in governance.
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant in rooting out corrupt practices and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.