Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district witnessed a bold anti-corruption raid by the CBI, resulting in the arrest of a revenue patwari mid-bribe. The agency confirmed on Friday that the official was snared with Rs 15,000, part of a larger Rs 20,000 demand for routine land record services.
The sequence of events paints a clear picture of everyday graft. A local approached the patwari for corrections in revenue records and issuance of a jamabandi extract—essential documents for property transactions. The response? A blatant Rs 20,000 shakedown.
Undeterred, the victim turned whistleblower, filing charges with CBI on January 28. What followed was a precision trap operation on Wednesday, where undercover agents witnessed the patwari pocketing Rs 15,000 before handcuffs clicked shut.
This high-profile bust reinforces CBI’s role as the nation’s bulwark against public sector corruption. By acting on citizen tips, the agency not only punishes individuals but deters widespread malpractices plaguing revenue offices.
The investigation continues, with potential links to other irregularities under scrutiny. In its press note, CBI called on the public in J&K and Ladakh to dial 9419900977 for any bribe demands by officials, ensuring swift justice.
Such vigilance is crucial in regions where land disputes fuel tensions. This arrest could catalyze stricter oversight, digital tracking of records, and training to instill integrity among patwaris, ultimately fostering transparent governance.