Diplomat Correspondent
Poonch, (DD): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested Mohd Jameel, Patwari of Halqa Dhara, Tehsil Mandi in Poonch district, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000.
The action followed a complaint from a local resident who had applied online on April 26, 2025, seeking attested copies of Khasra Girdwari related to his land in Village Dhara. The complainant alleged that despite filing the request through proper channels, the Patwari demanded a bribe to issue the required revenue documents.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and sought legal action. Following a discreet verification that confirmed the allegations, an FIR (No. 02/2025) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at ACB Police Station Rajouri.
A trap team was constituted, and during the operation, the accused was caught red-handed while accepting ₹5,000 from the complainant. The bribe was taken in the presence of independent witnesses. The accused was immediately arrested after completing the legal formalities.
Following the arrest, a search was conducted at the residence of the accused in Poonch.
Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.(DD)