SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended two police officers in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Rs 15,000. The arrests were made on Tuesday following a complaint lodged with the bureau.
According to information reaching Tahir Rihat, the arrested individuals have been identified as Sub-Inspector Ravi Jee Bhat and Police Station In-charge Karanjeet Singh. The complaint detailed allegations of a demand for illegal gratification amounting to Rs 15,000. This sum was reportedly demanded by PSI Karanjeet Singh, who was overseeing an investigation into a First Information Report (FIR) at the Ram Munshi Bagh police station. The purpose of the alleged bribe was to facilitate the closure of the case, with the complainant stating it was to be marked as “not admitted.” Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that PSI Karanjeet Singh allegedly used Sub-Inspector Ravi Jee Bhat to convey and receive the bribe from the complainant.
Upon receiving the written complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau initiated a verification process to ascertain the veracity of the allegations. This preliminary inquiry, as reported by the ACB, prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification. Consequently, the bureau registered a case, FIR No. 12/2026, under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2)BNS, at its Srinagar police station. An investigation was subsequently launched into the matter.
During the course of the investigation, a dedicated trap team was assembled by the ACB. This team successfully apprehended Sub-Inspector Ravi Jee Bhat red-handed as he was allegedly accepting the bribe of Rs 15,000. The ACB stated that Bhat was receiving the money on behalf of PSI Karanjeet Singh from the complainant. The bribe amount was recovered from Bhat’s possession in the presence of independent witnesses. He was taken into custody in accordance with legal procedures.
Following the arrest of Bhat, his alleged co-conspirator, PSI Karanjeet Singh, was subsequently arrested by the bureau. The ACB has indicated that further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption and to determine if any other individuals were involved in the scheme. The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Jammu and Kashmir to combat corruption within public institutions, including law enforcement agencies. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, provides a legal framework for prosecuting individuals found guilty of demanding or accepting bribes, with penalties aimed at deterring such illicit activities. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, with the ACB continuing its efforts to ensure accountability.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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