The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested a patwari in Shopian district after catching him red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 for submitting a favourable revenue report.
Bribe Demanded for Property Transfer Report
The accused has been identified as Aashiq Hussain Shah, a resident of Turkawangam, Shopian, and posted as patwari of Patwar Halqa Pinjoora. According to ACB officials, the complainant had applied at the Shopian tehsil office for equal transfer of ancestral property in the names of his wife and sister-in-law.
The application was submitted nearly three months ago and was forwarded by the tehsildar to the concerned patwari for necessary action. When the complainant approached the patwari, he allegedly demanded ₹25,000 in exchange for submitting a favourable report.
Complaint Verified, Trap Laid
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau. After verification confirmed the demand, an FIR was registered and a trap team was constituted.
During the operation, ACB officials caught the patwari at the spot while he was demanding and accepting the bribe amount. The cash was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap.
Searches Conducted at Residence
Following the arrest, the ACB conducted a search of the accused patwari’s residence in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses. Further investigation is underway to examine related records and determine whether similar demands were made in other cases.
Investigation Continues
Officials said the probe is ongoing and strict legal action will follow based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
