Jammu and Kashmir’s fight against corruption scored a major win with the arrest of a Budgam patwari caught taking Rs 10,000 in bribes. The dramatic raid by the ACB has sent shockwaves through the revenue department.
The patwari, handling crucial land documentation, was exposed when a citizen refused to pay up for routine services. Land mutation, a basic right, was being held hostage to his greed, leading to the secret complaint that triggered the trap.
ACB sleuths executed the operation flawlessly, recovering the exact bribe amount and chemical traces confirming the trap. The official’s brazen demand was captured in detail, providing ironclad evidence for prosecution.
This incident sheds light on systemic issues plaguing J&K’s revenue machinery post-reorganization. Farmers and landowners have borne the brunt of delays and demands, but recent ACB successes signal change. The arrested patwari faces immediate suspension and potential dismissal.
Looking ahead, the government is pushing tech-driven solutions like online portals to bypass such bottlenecks. Community leaders in Budgam welcomed the arrest, urging faster trials to deter others. With more tips pouring in, the ACB remains on high alert, committed to cleansing public offices.