JDA official caught red-handed accepting bribe by ACB

Jammu, July 18: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday arrested a Junior official of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Kewal Krishan, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant for facilitating continued construction of a double-storey building at Ballain Domana, Jammu.A statement issued here said that the accused had allegedly demanded Rs 20,000 in total as illegal gratification to permit construction work. The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint, prompting swift legal action.Following receipt of the complaint, the Bureau conducted a discreet verification which substantiated the allegation. Consequently, FIR No. 14/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at Police Station ACB Jammu, and an investigation was initiated. A trap team, led by a Gazetted Officer, was constituted and a carefully planned operation was executed. The accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the Rs 10,000 bribe, in the presence of independent witnesses. The bribe money was recovered from his possession, and the accused was immediately arrested following due legal procedure. Subsequently, searches were conducted at the accused’s residence located in Flore Haramkund, Gajansoo, Tehsil Marh, District Jammu, under the supervision of an independent witness and Magistrate. The investigation is ongoing and further legal proceedings will follow based on the findings.