ACB’s sting operation: Kupwara Patwari caught red-handed accepting bribe of ₹30,000

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended Hashim Amin Malik, a Patwari from Halqa Bohipora, Kupwara, on charges of soliciting a bribe. The ACB’s intervention came after a complainant reported that Malik and his revenue team had seized construction materials during a private land development project.

ACB traps and arrests Hashim Amin Malik, Patwari , Bohipora, Kupwara for demanding bribe of ₹30,000 from complainant for allowing construction and releasing material and equipment seized by revenue authorities. More details on https://t.co/5Jqoyf48kS @diprjk @JmuKmrPolice

— J&K Anti Corruption Bureau (@JKACB) October 18, 2023

The complainant alleged that Patwari Malik initially demanded a ₹50,000 bribe, later negotiated to ₹30,000, to facilitate the release of the confiscated materials and permit the continuation of the construction project. Unwilling to succumb to corruption, the complainant sought legal recourse by filing a detailed complaint with the ACB.

Following a discreet verification, the ACB registered a case, FIR No. 11/2023, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. The investigation revealed a prima facie case against Patwari Hashim Amin Malik for demanding a bribe from the complainant.

In a decisive move, the ACB conducted an arrest as Malik was caught red-handed, accepting the illicit ₹30,000 bribe during the investigation.

Simultaneously, a search was also conducted at Malik’s residence, and efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplice, Bashir Ahmad Mir. Further investigations are ongoing.