Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two forest officials for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.
A statement said that Rashpaul Singh (Forester) and Avdesh Singh (Forest Guard) were arrested for demanding bribe for allegedly clearing a payment of Rs 2, 81, 290 related to fencing, plantation, and other work in Budhi Block of Kathua Forest Range.
It said that the complainant, who was unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the ACB for legal action against the duo.
The statement further said that after verifying the complaint, the ACB registered an FIR number 13/2024 under the Prevention of Corruption Act on September 14, 2024.
Accordingly, it said, a trap was laid by a team led by a DySP, and both accused were caught red-handed while accepting the bribe in the presence of independent witnesses. The bribe money was also recovered on-the-spot, and the officials were arrested, the statement said.
Later, searches were also conducted at the homes of the accused under the supervision of a Magistrate, added the statement.
Meanwhile, further investigation is underway.
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