Jammu, February 1 – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a significant success by arresting a Junior Engineer (JE) for accepting a bribe. Rahul Gandotra, posted as a Technical Assistant (TA) at the BDO office in Gulabgarh Mahore, Reasi district, was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 8,000.
The ACB registered a First Information Report (FIR) No. 03/2026 at the ACB Police Station in Udhampur under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. According to the complaint, Rahul Gandotra had demanded a bribe from the complainant in return for preparing bills related to the Rural Development Department (RDD) work. When the complainant refused to pay the bribe, they approached the ACB for legal action.
Following the complaint, the ACB launched a covert investigation that confirmed the bribery demand. A trap team led by an officer of Deputy SP rank was formed to catch the accused. The team successfully laid a trap and, in the presence of independent witnesses, apprehended Rahul Gandotra while accepting Rs 8,000 from the complainant.
The bribe amount was recovered from the accused’s possession, and he was taken into custody as per legal procedures. Additionally, a search was conducted at the accused’s residence located at Rehari, Ward No. 24, House No. 215 in Jammu, in the presence of a magistrate. The ACB stated that Rahul Gandotra is already facing investigation in three other corruption-related cases registered at the ACB Police Station, Udhampur.
This incident highlights the repeated corrupt behaviour of the accused. The ACB described this operation as part of its strict action against corruption. The formation of trap teams and secret inquiries at the departmental level have proven effective in ensuring swift action in such cases. The complainant was able to get their work done without paying any bribe, while the accused was brought under the ambit of law.
The case exposes the ongoing problem of bribery in government offices across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in departments related to rural development and construction. The ACB has appealed to the general public to report any demands for bribes by government officials without fear. It assured complete confidentiality and security for complainants in such cases.
The investigation is ongoing as the ACB team works to strengthen evidence and examine any other possible offences committed by the accused. This arrest is expected to promote greater transparency and accountability within the department.
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