Patwari Caught Red-Handed in Kathua for Accepting Bribe: ACB

Srinagar, Feb 13 (TKD): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a Patwari from Halqa Khanpur, Tehsil Marheen, Kathua, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹15,000.

A spokesperson stated that the Jammu and Kashmir ACB received a complaint against Sudershan Khajuria, Patwari Halqa Khanpur, for soliciting an illegal gratification in exchange for correcting a Girdawari entry in the revenue records.

Initially, the accused had demanded ₹30,000 from the complainant, allegedly threatening to alter the revenue records if the payment was not made. The complainant, under pressure, had already paid ₹5,000, and after negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to ₹15,000.

Unwilling to comply further, the complainant approached the ACB, which verified the allegations and registered an FIR (No. 01/2025) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

A trap was subsequently laid, and the Patwari was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe. The bribe money was recovered, and searches were conducted at his residence and office in the presence of independent witnesses and a magistrate.

The accused has been arrested, and further investigations are underway—(TKD).