Srinagar, April 19: Anti Corruption Bureau has arrested a clerk in the office of Naib Tehsildar, Tangmarg Aharbal Kulgam for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe for issuance of Schedule Tribe Certificate.

“Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging that Layaqat Raheem Poswal of Tangmarg, Aharbal, appointed as Class-IV employee and working as Clerk in the office of Naib Tehsildar, Tangmarg Aharbal, Kulgam, is demanding Rs 7,000 from the complainant for issuance of Schedule Tribe Certificate,” the ACB said in a statement, adding, “The complainant had already paid Rs 3500 to the accused. The accused clerk was demanding remaining money of Rs 3,500 from him. On this the complainant approached ACB for taking necessary legal action.”

Upon receiving the instant complaint, the ACB said, prima facie offence under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was found made out. Consequently, case FIR No. 06/2022 was registered in PS ACB Anantnag and investigation taken-up.

“During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team caught red handed Layaqat Raheem Poswal while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs 3,500 from the complainant,” the ACB said, adding, “He was arrested on the spot by the ACB team. The bribe money was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses.” Further investigation into the case is on, the ACB added.