BUDGAM — The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested a Patwari after allegedly catching him red-handed while demanding and accepting a ₹10,000 bribe from a complainant for issuance of a Fard, or revenue extract, in Budgam district.
The accused public servant was identified as Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterhail, Tehsil Khansahab, Budgam.
According to the ACB, it received a written complaint alleging that Dar had demanded illegal gratification for issuing the Fard.
The complainant, a resident of Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, had applied online for issuance of the revenue extract on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his grandfather, who was stated to be elderly and unable to pursue the matter himself.
The ACB said the complainant subsequently approached the concerned Patwari to enquire about the status of the application. Dar allegedly initially told him that the Revenue Department’s online portal was not functioning and asked him to return later.
According to the complaint, the complainant visited the Patwari Khana several times thereafter, but the matter was allegedly delayed on different grounds.
The Patwari eventually allegedly demanded ₹12,000 for issuing the Fard. The amount was later negotiated and settled at ₹10,000, according to the complaint.
Unwilling to pay the alleged bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a written complaint.
The ACB said verification of the allegations prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification. Case FIR No. 14/2026 was subsequently registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Srinagar, and an investigation was taken up.
A trap team was constituted and trap proceedings were conducted, the ACB said.
During the operation, Dar was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹10,000 from the complainant.
The bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which he was taken into custody in accordance with law.
The ACB said further investigation in the case is underway.
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