JAMMU (KIMS) — The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday said it has arrested a Forest Guard for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹15,000 in Kishtwar district.
According to an ACB statement, a complaint was received alleging that the accused had demanded ₹20,000 from the complainant for expediting the release of security deposits related to allotted works. After negotiations, the accused allegedly agreed to accept ₹15,000 as illegal gratification.
The complainant approached the ACB instead of paying the bribe and sought legal action against the accused official.
Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification which established a prima facie demand for bribe by the accused public servant, the statement said.
Accordingly, FIR No. 07/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Central Jammu and investigation was taken up.
During investigation, an ACB trap team laid a successful trap and caught the accused, identified as Vaseem Ahmad Hap, son of Manzoor Ahmad, resident of Hidyal Kishtwar, red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹15,000 from the complainant.
The accused, presently posted as Forest Guard and looking after accounts work in the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Forest Division Marwah, was arrested on the spot and the bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses, the ACB said.
Subsequently, searches were conducted at the residential premises of the accused in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.
Further investigation in the case is underway. — (KIMS)