Jammu, June 1: The arrest of a Forest Guard posted in Forest Division Marwah, Kishtwar, while allegedly accepting a ₹15,000 bribe has once again brought the issue of corruption in government offices into sharp focus. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) trapped and arrested Vaseem Ahmad Hap red-handed, according to officials.
The latest arrest is part of a series of corruption cases unearthed by the ACB across Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, particularly involving officials accused of demanding money for performing routine official duties.
Among the notable cases, the ACB has previously trapped officials from departments including Revenue, Rural Development, Power Development, Municipal bodies, Education, and Forests for allegedly seeking bribes to process files, release payments, issue certificates, or grant official clearances.
In Kishtwar and adjoining districts, several government employees have faced ACB action over allegations of demanding illegal gratification from contractors, beneficiaries, and members of the public. Such cases have repeatedly highlighted concerns over corruption affecting developmental works and public services in remote areas.
According to the ACB, the complainant in the present case alleged that the accused demanded ₹20,000 for expediting the release of security deposits linked to allotted works and later agreed to accept ₹15,000. Following verification, a case was registered and a trap was laid, resulting in the arrest of the accused.
The incident has reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability in public offices, particularly in departments handling contracts, payments, and public funds.
With ACB continuing its crackdown on corrupt practices, the latest arrest serves as another reminder that public servants demanding illegal gratification are increasingly coming under the scanner of anti-corruption agencies.
“From Revenue Offices to Forest Divisions, the message from ACB remains clear: taking bribes can lead straight to handcuffs.”
