Jammu and Kashmir ACB arrests Kishtwar forest guard over alleged Rs 15,000 bribe

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a forest guard in Kishtwar after he was allegedly caught accepting Rs 15,000. Officials said the complaint alleged a demand to expedite release of security deposits for allotted works. After verification, the ACB registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and laid a trap.

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a forest guard in Kishtwar district. Officials said the arrest followed an alleged bribe exchange involving Rs 15,000. The accused was caught during a trap operation and taken into custody at the spot. The recovered cash was seized during the proceedings, officials added.

Officials identified the accused as Vaseem Ahmad Hap. Vaseem Ahmad Hap was posted as a forest guard and handled accounts work. Vaseem Ahmad Hap worked in the office of the divisional forest officer, Marwah. Officials said the ACB team apprehended Vaseem Ahmad Hap while accepting money from a complainant.

ACB bribe trap and complaint in Kishtwar district

According to an ACB spokesperson, the bureau received a written complaint. It alleged the official demanded Rs 20,000 to speed up a process. The issue related to the release of security deposits for certain allotted works. After talks, the accused allegedly agreed to take Rs 15,000 as illegal gratification.

The complainant did not want to pay the bribe, the officer said. The complainant then approached the ACB and requested legal action. After the complaint, the bureau carried out discreet verification. Officials said the check showed a prima facie case of bribe demand by the accused public servant.

ACB case under the Prevention of Corruption Act

Officials said the ACB registered a case in Jammu under the Prevention of Corruption Act. After that, the bureau formed a team for a trap. The team laid the trap and detained the accused during the operation. Officials said the accused was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting Rs 15,000.

The spokesperson said the accused was arrested on the spot. The bribe money was recovered from the accused’s possession. The recovery took place in the presence of independent witnesses linked to the proceedings. Officials said the ACB later searched the accused’s home with an executive magistrate present.

Officials said independent witnesses also attended the residential search. The ACB said further investigation into the case is underway. Officials have not shared more details about the allotted works. The bureau has not reported any other arrests linked to the complaint so far.

With inputs from PTI