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Jammu and Kashmir ACB arrests SMC Junior Building Inspector Gazala Akhter in Rs 10,000 bribery case
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Junior Building Inspector while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The official was arrested during a trap operation linked to a complaint over alleged illegal gratification in a building construction matter.
The accused official, identified as Gazala Akhter, posted as Junior Building Inspector in SMC Ward No. 28, Srinagar, was caught during the ACB operation. The alleged bribe amount was recovered from her possession and a detailed investigation has been launched into the case.
According to officials, the case began after the ACB received a written complaint alleging that the SMC official had demanded money from a complainant in connection with the construction of two structures in Srinagar.
The complainant alleged that the required building permission had already been obtained from the competent authority, but the construction work was allegedly being delayed due to repeated objections and procedural hurdles.
The complainant pointed out that the official was using her position to create pressure and demand illegal gratification for allowing the construction-related work to proceed.
Following the complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau carried out a discreet verification process to examine the allegations. The agency found prima facie evidence supporting the complaint and decided to proceed with legal action.
After verification of the allegations, the ACB registered FIR No. 11/2026 at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act deals with cases involving public servants allegedly demanding or accepting illegal gratification in connection with official duties. Following the registration of the case, the ACB constituted a specialised trap team to catch the accused official during the alleged bribe transaction.
During the trap operation, the ACB team allegedly caught Gazala Akhter while accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant. The alleged bribe money was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses. Following the recovery, the accused official was taken into custody by the anti-corruption agency. The ACB said that necessary legal procedures were followed during the operation and further investigation into the matter is underway.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has started a detailed investigation to establish the complete facts of the case. Investigators are examining official documents, records related to the construction permission, the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribe demand and the role of the accused official. The agency is also looking into whether any other person was involved in the alleged transaction or if there was any wider misuse of official authority.
Municipal departments play a key role in urban development, including granting building permissions, regulating construction activities and providing civic approvals. Allegations of corruption in such offices directly impact citizens, property owners and businesses who depend on timely government clearances. The latest ACB action has once again brought attention to the need for transparency, accountability and strict monitoring in public service departments.
The arrest comes amid continued efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau to take action against alleged corruption cases involving government officials. The agency has been conducting trap operations and investigations against officials accused of demanding illegal payments, misusing their positions and delaying public services. The latest operation highlights the role of anti-corruption agencies in preventing misuse of authority and ensuring accountability in government institutions.
