JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has recovered more than ₹35 lakh in cash following a successful trap laid to arrest a Patwari accused of demanding and accepting bribe money in Samba district.
The Bureau has registered FIR No. 19/2025 U/S 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the accused official, Sunil Kumar, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Dadui, Tehsil & District Samba.
According to the ACB, the Patwari had allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh from a complainant for preparing a report sought by the Tehsildar Samba regarding correction of Girdawari. After negotiations, the bribe was reportedly settled at ₹80,000, but the complainant managed only ₹20,000 and approached the ACB instead of paying the illegal gratification.
After verifying the complaint and confirming the demand, the ACB registered a case and constituted a trap team. The accused was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe in the presence of independent witnesses. He was arrested on the spot and the bribe amount was recovered from his possession.
During a search of his personal vehicle, the ACB also recovered cash exceeding ₹35 lakh, which was seized on the spot. Searches were further carried out at his residence in the presence of Magistrates.
The ACB said that further investigation is in progress.
