Clerk in DC Jammu office held for taking bribe

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has trapped and arrested Ajay Kumar, son of Late Ram Murti, resident of Village Gango Chak, Gajansoo, Jammu, presently posted as a Junior Assistant in the Office of the Assistant Commissioner (General), Jammu, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

According to an ACB official, the action followed a written complaint alleging that Kumar had demanded Rs 20,000 from the complainant for issuance of a Marriage Certificate under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. After negotiations, the accused allegedly agreed to accept Rs 15,000 as illegal gratification.

 “On receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted discreet verification, which prima facie established the demand of bribe. A trap was subsequently laid, during which the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹15,000 from the complainant,” the ACB official said.

The official added that the accused was arrested immediately and the bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings.

Following verification of the complaint, FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, was registered at Police Station ACB Central J&K, Jammu, and investigation was taken up.

 “Searches were also conducted at the residential premises of the accused government employee in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses,” the official said.

The ACB stated that the complainant had approached the Bureau after being unwilling to pay the alleged bribe and sought legal action against the public servant.

The official said the investigation is presently underway and further legal action will follow as per law. The case underscores the Bureau’s continued efforts to curb corruption and ensure accountability among public servants.