Jammu, March 27, 2026:
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against two forest officials for allegedly demanding and accepting bribes in Rajouri district.
According to officials, a formal case vide FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) was registered at Police Station ACB Rajouri against Mohd. Zaman, Forest Guard, and Ajaz Ahmed, Forester, both posted in the Forest Department, Range Kandi, Rajouri.
The case was initiated following a written complaint alleging that the complainant was undertaking construction work, including digging a septic tank and an underground tank, on his private land where his house is already constructed.
As per the complaint, on March 13, 2026, Forest Guard Mohd. Zaman visited the site and halted the work, claiming that the land fell under forest jurisdiction. Despite the complainant asserting ownership of the land, the official allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 and threatened to stop the work permanently if the amount was not paid.
Under pressure, the complainant initially paid ₹30,000, which was transferred to an account provided by the accused officials. However, the accused allegedly continued to harass and demand an additional ₹10,000.
Following continued harassment, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action.
Acting on the complaint, the ACB constituted a trap team. During the operation, both accused officials were caught red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹7,000 from the complainant. They were immediately arrested on the spot.
Subsequently, searches were conducted at the residential premises of the accused in Rajouri.
Further investigation in the case is underway.
