J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau nabs Patwari in bribery sting operation

KATHUA — The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sprung into action following a written complaint received from a resident of Machhedi, District Kathua. The complaint alleges that Gulshan Singh, Patwari of Halqa Machhedi, Kathua, demanded a bribe of ₹5000 for the issuance of Virsati Intqal mutations and legal heir certificates.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the complainant utilized the online portal of the Revenue Department for application submission and subsequently met the Patwari for document issuance. It was reported that Patwari initially received ₹2000 as an advance payment and then demanded the remaining ₹3000 from the complainant.

Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the ACB took swift action, registering case FIR No. 02/2023 at Police Station ACB Central and initiating an investigation.

The official disclosed that a trap team was formed as part of the investigation process, which successfully caught the accused Patwari red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of ₹3000 in the presence of independent witnesses. Following the completion of legal formalities, the Patwari was promptly arrested at the scene.

Subsequent to the arrest, searches were conducted at the residential premises of the accused located at Ward No. 21, Ram Nagar Colony, Kathua.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing, as confirmed by the official.