Anti-Corruption Bureau Arrests Official in Jammu and Kashmir Bribery Case

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (JKACB) has arrested Des Raj, a Junior Assistant in the Social Welfare Department in Billawar, District Kathua, for allegedly soliciting a bribe. An FIR (First Information Report) was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, following a complaint from a local resident.

According to the complaint, Des Raj demanded a total of ₹10,000 as a bribe to release financial assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme for the marriage of the complainant's daughter, scheduled for 16 April 2026. After negotiations, he agreed to accept ₹5,000 instead.

The complainant had previously provided ₹1,500 to Des Raj but was later asked to pay an additional ₹3,000 to finally receive the ₹50,000 assistance. Reluctant to continue paying bribes, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau to report the matter.

A verification process was conducted by the Bureau, which confirmed the allegations of bribery. Subsequently, a trap operation was initiated, leading to the successful capture of Des Raj while he was accepting the bribe from the complainant in front of independent witnesses.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau team arrested him at the scene in accordance with legal procedures, and the bribe money was recovered in the presence of independent witnesses. Additionally, a search of his residence in Kishanpur, Billawar, was carried out under the supervision of a Magistrate as part of the ongoing investigation.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Anti-Corruption Bureau to tackle corruption within public services in the region. Further investigations are currently underway regarding this incident.