Srinagar, Sep 11: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday said it arrested a Patwari after trapping him while allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 10,000 bribe for issuing a revenue extract (Fard) in Budgam district.
The accused was identified as Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, in Khansahab tehsil.
According to the ACB, the complainant had applied online for issuance of a Fard on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his elderly grandfather, who was unable to pursue the matter himself.
After submitting the application, the complainant approached the concerned Patwari to enquire about its status. The official initially told him that the Revenue Department’s online portal was not functioning and asked him to return later.
“On subsequent visits to the Patwari Khana, the Patwari allegedly continued to delay the matter on one pretext or another and ultimately demanded Rs 12,000 as bribe for issuing the Fard,” the ACB said.
The amount was later settled at Rs 10,000 following negotiations, after which the complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the ACB and lodged a written complaint.
The ACB said verification of the allegation prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification.
Accordingly, Case FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and an investigation was initiated.
“A trap team was constituted to lay a trap. During the trap proceedings, the accused public servant, namely Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, Budgam, was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant,” the ACB said.
The bribe amount was recovered from the accused in the presence of independent witnesses, following which he was taken into custody in accordance with law.
Further investigation in the case is underway, the ACB said.
