SRINAGAR, Jul 25: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet against a former Patwari and an ex-Lumberdar in connection with a bribery trap case registered in Baramulla, marking a significant step in its ongoing drive against corruption in public offices.
The chargesheet was filed before the Court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against Fida Hussain Shah, the then Patwari of Halqa Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, and Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Ex-Lumberdar of Gutiyar, Baramulla, in connection with FIR No. 04/2024 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
According to the ACB, the case was registered on April 16, 2024, following a complaint alleging that the accused had demanded illegal gratification for facilitating the issuance of revenue and No Objection Certificate (NOC) reports required for processing building permission applications submitted by the complainant and his father.
During the investigation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau collected substantial oral, documentary, electronic and scientific evidence. Investigators also recovered the tainted bribe money and subjected relevant exhibits to forensic examination. The probe included the recording of witness statements, scrutiny of official records, analysis of digital evidence and collection of other corroborative material, which, according to the investigating agency, prima facie established the involvement of both accused in the demand and acceptance of the illegal gratification.
Following completion of the investigation, the competent authority in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir granted prosecution sanction against the then Patwari. The ACB subsequently filed the chargesheet against both accused for offences punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, read with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, along with other applicable legal provisions.
Both accused were produced before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, along with the chargesheet. The court has fixed November 12, 2026, as the next date of hearing.
An ACB official said the Bureau remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in public administration. “The filing of the chargesheet is the culmination of a professional investigation based on scientific, documentary and digital evidence. The ACB will continue to act firmly against public servants and intermediaries found involved in corrupt practices, while ensuring that every investigation is conducted fairly and strictly in accordance with the law,” the official said.