Srinagar, Oct 17: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday said to have trapped and arrested Patwari , Halqa Bohipora, Kupwara for demanding bribe of Rs 30,000 from complainant for allowing construction and releasing material and equipment seized by revenue authorities.
“An information was received by Anti Corruption Bureau through ACB J&K Helpline number 9419678060 from one complainant resident of Kupwara regarding demand of bribe by one Patwari Halqa Bohipora Kupwara,” a statement issued to press reads.
In his complaint, the complainant alleged that while he was constructing some shops in his private land the patwari concerned with other revenue officials came to the site and took away his material, equipment’s etc with them, the statement said.
He further alleged that he accordingly approached tehsildar concerned who directed him to meet NT and patwari.
He further alleged that when complainant met the Patwari he demanded bribe of Rs 50,000 from him and told him that he will be given seized items back and will be allowed to work also if he pays the bribe money. “On this complainant pleaded that he cannot pay huge bribe and it was later on negotiated for Rs 30,000.”
“As the complainant was not interested in paying bribe under these circumstances, he approached ACB and filed a written complaint against patwari for demanding bribe and requested for legal action,” the statement added.
Accordingly, on receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted by the ACB. The verification conducted reveal that the revenue team including patwari Hashim Amin has taken away the equipments, construction material from the complainant under construction site and patwari concerned is now demanding bribe from complainant for allowing construction and releasing the material/equipments seized and has directed complainant to come with bribe money on Monday, it added.
“On the basis of the findings & recommendation of the Verifying Officer as prima facie offences U/s 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 were made out against accused Public servant namely Hashim, Patwari Halqa Bohipora, District Kupwara for demanding bribe from complainant for allowing him to construct shops on his private land and release of his equipment/material seized,” the statement further reads.
Accordingly, a case under FIR number 11/2023 was registered in Police Station ACB Baramulla under section 7 of the PC Act 1988 and the investigation was initiated.
During the course of investigations the accused patwari was arrested on spot while demanding bribe of Rs 30,000 from complainant and accepting same through his tout and his close accomplice (Ex-Lumberdar), who is evading arrest. Searches are also conducted in the residential house of the accused patwari, the statement said, adding that further investigations of the case are going on.
—(KNO)
