Srinagar, October 1: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu & Kashmir has arrested a Deputy Director of Agriculture Law Enforcement along with an alleged middleman after trapping them while allegedly demanding and accepting ₹50,000 as illegal gratification from a seed dealer in Srinagar.
The accused public servant has been identified as Naseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Director, Agriculture Law Enforcement, while the alleged middleman has been identified as Mohd Owais Bhat, a resident of Qamarwari.
According to the ACB, the case originated from a written complaint submitted by a seed dealer, who alleged that Khan had demanded ₹2 lakh in bribe for permitting him to sell plant seeds from his shop.
The complainant allegedly paid ₹1 lakh under pressure. Subsequently, after negotiations, the remaining amount was allegedly settled at ₹1 lakh, to be paid in two instalments of ₹50,000 each.
Unwilling to make any further payment, the complainant approached the ACB Srinagar and sought legal intervention.
The ACB said the allegations were verified and the verification prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification.
Consequently, FIR No. 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 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
An investigation was subsequently initiated into the allegations.
On September 30, 2026, the ACB constituted a trap team to catch the accused while allegedly accepting the bribe.
During the trap operation, the ACB said that Naseer Ahmad Khan was caught red-handed along with alleged tout Mohd Owais Bhat while allegedly demanding and accepting ₹50,000 from the complainant.
Both accused persons were arrested during the operation, according to the ACB.
The ACB further stated that the tainted cash amount of ₹50,000 was recovered from the possession of the accused during the trap proceedings.
Following their arrest, both accused underwent medico-legal formalities and were subsequently lodged at Police Station Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, for safe custody.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau said that further investigation in the case is underway.
The allegations against the accused are subject to investigation and due process of law, and their guilt, if any, will be determined by the competent court. (KNC)
