SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday claimed to have arrested a Patwari in Budgam district while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 for issuing a revenue extract (Fard).
According to an ACB statement, the agency received a written complaint alleging that Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari of Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal in Khansahab tehsil, had demanded money from a resident of the area for issuing a Fard.
The complainant had applied online for the document on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his grandfather. When he later approached the Patwari regarding the application, the official allegedly cited technical issues with the Revenue Department’s online portal and asked him to return later.
The ACB said the complainant alleged that the Patwari continued to delay the matter during subsequent visits and eventually demanded Rs 12,000 as a bribe for issuing the document. The amount was allegedly negotiated down to Rs 10,000.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, which conducted a verification of the allegations. Following the verification, the bureau registered FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station ACB Srinagar and initiated an investigation.
The agency said a trap team was constituted and the accused was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant.
According to the ACB, the money was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses, following which he was taken into custody.
Further investigation is underway.
