Kupwara, Oct 17 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully trapped and arrested a Patwari in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday.
The Patwari was apprehended while demanding a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a complainant.
He said the bribe was requested in exchange for allowing the construction to proceed and releasing the materials and equipment that had been seized by revenue authorities.
The official said that ACB received information through its helpline regarding the demand for a bribe by the Patwari named Hashim Amin Malik from the complainant, who is a resident of Kupwara. The complainant alleged that while he was constructing shops on his private land, the Patwari, along with other revenue officials, visited the site and confiscated his materials and equipment. The complainant further claimed that he sought assistance from the concerned Tehsildar, who directed him to meet the NT and Patwari. It was during this interaction with Patwari Hashim Amin Malik that the demand for a bribe of Rs 50,000 was made. However, after negotiation, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 30,000.
As the complainant was not willing to pay the bribe, they approached the ACB and filed a written complaint against the Patwari. Subsequently, a discreet verification was conducted, which confirmed that the revenue team, including Patwari Hashim Amin Malik, had indeed taken away the complainant’s construction materials and equipment.
The verification also revealed that the Patwari was demanding a bribe in order to allow the construction to proceed and to release the confiscated items. The Patwari instructed the complainant to bring the bribe money on Monday.
Based on the findings of the verification and the recommendation of the Verifying Officer, it was determined that the accused Patwari had committed offenses under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. Consequently, a First Information Report (FIR) bearing No. 11/2023 was registered against the Patwari Hashim Amin at the ACB Baramulla Police Station under the PC Act 1988, and an investigation has been initiated.
During the course of the investigation, the accused Patwari was arrested on the spot while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant. The bribe was handed over through the involvement of an accomplice named Bashir Ahmad Mir, who is currently evading arrest.
Furthermore, searches were conducted at the residential house of the accused Patwari.
The officer further said that the case is still under investigation. (KS)
