SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped two officials of the Irrigation Division Anantnag for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh from a complainant.
According to an ACB statement, the complainant alleged that Ziladar Nazir Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Akbar Wani, resident of Utrasoo Najigund Anantnag and Patwari Bilal Ahmad Wagay, son of Abdul Rehman Wagay, resident of Sherpora Anantnag had demanded bribe for disposal of an application filed against him regarding alleged encroachment of government land at Ashajipora near Dabruna Anantnag.
The accused officials allegedly told the complainant that they would settle or reject the complaint at their level if he paid an amount equivalent to the cost of one marla of land at the location, estimated at around ₹4 lakh. However, after repeated requests, the bribe amount was allegedly settled at ₹1 lakh.
The complainant approached the ACB instead of paying the bribe, seeking legal action against the accused officials.
Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification during which it was found that the land in question was not state land but proprietary land belonging to the complainant. The demand for bribe by the accused officials was also verified, the statement said.
Accordingly, FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, read with Amendment Act 2018, was registered at Police Station ACB Anantnag and investigation was taken up.
During investigation, a trap team was constituted which laid a successful trap and caught both officials red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount, the ACB said.
The accused were arrested on the spot and the bribe money was recovered from their possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team.
Subsequently, searches were also conducted at the residential houses of the accused officials in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses.
Further investigation in the case is underway. — (KIMS)