SRINAGAR, OCT 1: A high-level corruption trap by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar has led to the arrest of a Deputy Director Agriculture Law Enforcement and his alleged tout, who were caught red-handed while allegedly accepting ₹50,000 in bribe from a seed dealer.
The accused public servant has been identified as Naseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Director Agriculture Law Enforcement, while his alleged tout is Mohd Owais Bhat, a resident of Qamarwari, Srinagar.
According to the ACB, the case originated from a complaint lodged by a seed dealer, who alleged that Khan had demanded a total bribe of ₹2 lakh for permitting him to sell plant seeds at his shop.
The complainant had allegedly already paid ₹1 lakh under pressure, following which the remaining ₹1 lakh was agreed to be paid in two instalments of ₹50,000 each.
The complainant, unwilling to make any further illegal payment, approached the ACB and sought action against the accused official.
The allegations were verified by the bureau and found to prima facie disclose a demand for illegal gratification.
Subsequently, FIR Number 16/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the BNS.
Acting on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap on September 30. During the operation, Khan and Bhat were allegedly caught in the act while demanding and accepting ₹50,000 from the complainant.
The entire tainted amount was recovered from their possession at the spot, following which both accused were arrested.
After completion of medico-legal formalities, the accused were lodged at Police Station Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, for safe custody.
The ACB said the investigation remains in progress, with further action to follow on the basis of evidence gathered during the probe.
