Corruption in Jammu and Kashmir’s revenue sector faced a major blow as CBI sleuths trapped and arrested a patwari in Ganderbal accepting illicit cash. The Friday announcement detailed a textbook anti-corruption operation that caught the official with Rs 15,000 in tainted money.

The drama began when a citizen, seeking updates to his land revenue records and a jamabandi extract, was hit with a Rs 20,000 bribe demand. Instead of complying, he lodged a formal complaint with the CBI on January 28, setting the stage for a high-stakes trap.

CBI teams laid the groundwork meticulously. On Wednesday, as the patwari reached for the bribe envelope containing Rs 15,000—part payment of the demanded sum—he was nabbed instantly. The arrest not only secures evidence but also sends ripples through local administrative circles.

Experts note that patwaris, as frontline revenue officers, often act as gatekeepers for land-related services, making them prime targets for bribe-seekers and anti-graft agencies alike. This case exemplifies how public complaints can dismantle corrupt networks.

Further investigations are underway to uncover any accomplices or patterns of extortion. The CBI reiterated its commitment, stating that eradicating bribery among government servants is paramount. Residents are encouraged to use the dedicated helpline 9419900977 for reporting in J&K and Ladakh.

In the broader context, this incident bolsters faith in institutional mechanisms designed to protect citizens from exploitation. As probes deepen, it could expose deeper systemic flaws, prompting reforms in revenue administration.