Jammu, Apr 05: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a Patwari in Kathua district for soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 in exchange for the issuance of Virasati Intqal and legal heir certificate.
The ACB in a statement said it received a written complaint from a Machhedi resident in Kathua district, alleging that Gulshan Singh, Patwari of Halqa Machhedi, Kathua demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 for facilitating the issuance of Virasati Intqal mutations and legal heir certificate.
The complainant, who had applied through the online portal of the revenue department, met with Patwari to pursue the issuance of these documents. Initially, the Patwari received an advance payment of Rs 2,000 and subsequently demanded an additional Rs 3,000 from the complainant.
Upon prima facie evidence indicating a violation under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, the ACB Central registered Case FIR No. 02/2024 at the Police Station. A trap team was formed to apprehend the accused, who was caught red-handed while soliciting and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 3,000 in the presence of independent witnesses. Following the completion of all legal formalities, the accused was promptly arrested on the spot.
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 matter is ongoing, with the ACB committed to ensuring accountability and combating corruption within the jurisdiction.
