ACB launches trap operation, arrests Head Constable in Rajouri bribery case

HARPREET SINGH
RAJOURI, APR 4: In a strong anti-corruption action, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a formal case and successfully trapped Head Constable Mohd. Alyas, posted at Police Station Thanamandi in Rajouri, for demanding and accepting a bribe of ?10,000.
The case was registered under FIR Number 05/2026 at ACB Police Station Rajouri under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) following a written complaint by the victim.
According to the complaint, the incident dates back to March 13, 2026, when the complainant, along with his family, met with a road accident near Shahdara Sharief Thanamandi while travelling in his vehicle.
An FIR Number 26/2026 was subsequently registered at Police Station Thanamandi, and during the course of investigation, the complainant’s vehicle was seized by the Investigating Officer, Mohd. Alyas.
The complainant alleged that the accused officer demanded ?20,000 as illegal gratification for the release of the seized vehicle.
Under pressure and fear, the complainant initially paid ?5,000. However, the accused continued to harass and threaten him for the remaining amount, which was later negotiated down to ?10,000.
Unable to bear the continuous pressure, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action.
Acting promptly, the ACB constituted a dedicated trap team and planned an operation to catch the accused red-handed.
During the trap, the accused Mohd. Alyas was apprehended while demanding and accepting ?10,000 from the complainant and was immediately arrested on the spot, thereby confirming the allegations of bribery.
Following the arrest, the ACB also conducted searches at the residential premises of the accused in Rajouri to gather further evidence.
The investigation is ongoing to examine all aspects of the case and identify any additional involvement or irregularities.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the ACB urged citizens to report instances of bribery and misconduct, assuring strict legal action against those abusing their official position for personal gain.