In a decisive strike against corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a revenue patwari red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The incident unfolded in Mouza Gadura, highlighting ongoing efforts to cleanse public administration in the region.
The CBI acted swiftly on a complaint received against the patwari, a key revenue department official responsible for land records. The accused had allegedly demanded Rs 20,000 to issue a jamabandi extract and amend land revenue records. On January 28, 2026, the agency registered a case and laid a trap, catching the official in the act of taking the tainted money from the complainant.
Following the arrest, the patwari was taken into custody, with investigations continuing to uncover the full extent of the graft. This operation underscores the CBI’s zero-tolerance policy towards bribe-seeking public servants, particularly in sensitive areas like land administration where manipulation can have far-reaching consequences.
The agency emphasized its commitment to curbing corruption, urging citizens to report any demands for illegal payments by government officials. In Jammu and Kashmir, residents can contact the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Srinagar at 9419900977 for prompt action.
This bust comes amid broader reforms in the union territory post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which has restored law and order, reduced separatist violence, and revived accountability in governance. For over two decades prior, public services had suffered due to militancy, but recent years mark a return to transparency.
Authorities, including CBI, ACB Srinagar, and local police, jointly hold jurisdiction over corruption involving central and UT services. Such vigilance is crucial for building public trust and ensuring efficient service delivery.