Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir today apprehended a patwari in Dooru, south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
The arrest followed a complaint from an individual who had sought permission to prune chinar tree branches near his home, fearing potential damage to life and property from strong winds. The application, submitted to the Tehsil Office Dooru, was forwarded to Patwari Halqa Lukbhawn Larkipora for a report.
According to the complainant, the patwari demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 to process the request. Refusing to pay, the complainant instead reported the matter to the ACB.
After a discreet verification confirmed the patwari’s demand for the bribe, the ACB registered a case (FIR No. 01/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988) at P/S ACB Anantnag and initiated an investigation.
During the investigation, a trap was set, and the patwari was caught red-handed while soliciting and accepting the Rs 10,000 bribe from the complainant. The patwari was immediately arrested by the ACB team, and the bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.
Following the arrest, a search of the patwari’s residence was conducted in the presence of executive magistrates and independent witnesses. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
