ACB J&K FILES CHARGESHEET IN TRAP CASE AGAINST THEN PATWARI AND EX-LUMBERDAR

Srinagar, July 25, 2026: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K, has filed a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against Fida Hussain Shah, the then Patwari Halqa Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, and Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Ex-Lumberdar, Gutiyar, Baramulla, in case FIR No. 04/2024 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.

The case was registered on 16.04.2024 on the basis of a complaint alleging demand of illegal gratification in connection with the handing over of revenue/ NOC reports required for processing building permission applications submitted by the complainant and his father.

During the course of investigation, the ACB collected oral, documentary, electronic and scientific evidence, including recovery of the tainted amount and forensic examination of relevant exhibits. The evidence collected during investigation, including statements of witnesses, documentary records, digital evidence and other corroborative material, prima facie indicated the involvement of the accused persons in the alleged offences and their respective roles in the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification.

The competent authority, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, accorded sanction for prosecution of the then Patwari. Accordingly, the chargesheet has been filed against Fida Hussain Shah, the then Patwari Halqa Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, and Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Ex-Lumberdar, Gutiyar, Baramulla, for offences punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, read with Section 120-B IPC, and other relevant provisions of law, as applicable.

Both accused persons were produced before the Hon’ble Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, along with the chargesheet/final report. The Hon’ble Court has fixed 12-11-2026 as the next date of hearing in the matter.

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