Srinagar, Apr 07 (KNO): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday said they have caught two officials of the PWD (R&B) Mechanical Division, North Kashmir, Baramulla, red-handed while accepting a Rs 13,000 bribe allegedly demanded to release a pending payment.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said an information was received telephonically at Anti-Corruption Bureau, J&K on 06.04.2026 through ACB Helpline No. 9419678060 from a complainant, who disclosed that he is working as Manager for a private firm duly registered on the GeM Portal.
He said, it was further stated that the said firm had participated in a tender floated by PWD (R&B) Mechanical Division, North Kashmir, Baramulla for supply of a customised vehicle for live fish transportation, wherein the firm was declared L1 and the vehicle was subsequently delivered to the Department of Fisheries, Bandipora.
“It was further revealed that the firm had raised the bill on the GeM Portal and also submitted hard copies before the concerned department, whereupon the bill was processed and forwarded to the Accounts Section for release of payment. However, despite completion of all formalities, the payment was deliberately withheld for several days for want of bribe,” said the spokesperson.
He said, the complainant approached ACB and requested legal action against Mushtaq Ahmad (Sr. Assistant) and Farooq Ahmad (Jr. Assistant) of PWD (R&B) Mechanical Division, North Kashmir, Baramulla for demanding bribe of ₹13,000/-from him for release of payment.
“Upon receipt of the complaint and after conducting discreet verification, the allegations were found prima facie substantiated. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 01/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) read with Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla and investigation was set into motion.”
The spokesperson added, During the course of investigation, a team of ACB laid a successful trap and apprehended both the accused public servants for demanding and accepting bribe from the complainant. The accused were taken into custody on the spot after completing necessary legal formalities.
“Further investigation in the case is going on. Taking and giving bribe is a crime, if any government employee demands bribe for any official work in Jammu & Kashmir , Citizens can reach the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) through the toll-free helpline 1800-180-7152 or the WhatsApp number 9419678060. Complaints and grievances may also be submitted via the Satark Nagrik Mobile App or by email director.vigilance@jk.gov.in,” said the spokesperson further—(KNO)