ACB Caught JE Red-Handed Taking ₹20,000 Bribe in Shopian

Trap Laid After Complainant Alleges Demand for Payment Clearance in RDD Works

Srinagar, Aug 14 (KNC): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested Aamir Farooq Sheikh, Junior Engineer of the Rural Development Department in Shopian, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹20,000 to clear pending work payments.

Health Minister Hints at Upcoming Doctor Reshuffle in North Kashmir

Spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner— KNC, ACB received a written complaint alleging that payment of ₹7.5 lakh, pertaining to works executed by the complainant, was pending with the Rural Development Department, Shopian. The accused JE allegedly demanded ₹20,000 for facilitating the release of the said payment.

The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached ACB to take legal action. After discreet verification, FIR No. 04/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at Police Station ACB Anantnag, and investigation was initiated, it reads.

A trap team, along with independent witnesses, was constituted to carry forward the investigation. During the operation, the accused JE was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of ₹20,000, which was recovered from his possession in the presence of witnesses. He was arrested on the spot, statement reads.

Immediately after registration of the FIR, searches were conducted at his residential premises in Kachdoora, Shopian, and Kanipora, Nowgam, Srinagar. The searches were ongoing at the time of filing this report, it reads.

Further investigation is in progress, reads the statement. (KNC)