Budgam, September 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday trapped and arrested a Patwari while allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹10,000 bribe for issuance of a revenue extract (Fard) in Budgam district.

The accused has been identified as Bashir Ahmad Dar, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, Budgam.

According to the ACB, the complainant had submitted an online application on July 21, 2026, on behalf of his elderly grandfather for issuance of the Fard. When he later approached the Patwari to enquire about the status of the application, he was allegedly told that the Revenue Department’s online portal was not functioning.

The matter was subsequently allegedly delayed on various pretexts. The Patwari later demanded ₹12,000 as illegal gratification, which was eventually settled at ₹10,000 following negotiations.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB. After verification of the allegations, the Bureau registered FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Srinagar.

A trap team was constituted and, during the operation, the accused Patwari 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. He was subsequently taken into custody in accordance with law.

Further investigation is underway.