Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Junior Assistant after allegedly catching him red-handed while demanding and accepting a ₹15,000 bribe for facilitating the issuance of a marriage certificate.
The accused, identified as Ajay Kumar, is posted in the office of the Assistant Commissioner (General), Jammu. According to the ACB, he had allegedly demanded ₹20,000 from a complainant for issuing a Marriage Certificate under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Following negotiations, the amount was allegedly reduced to ₹15,000.
The complainant, unwilling to pay the alleged bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and requested legal action. Following a discreet verification, the ACB said it established a prima facie case concerning the alleged demand.
Complaint leads to ACB verification
The case began after the complainant submitted a written complaint to the ACB alleging that the government employee had sought illegal gratification for the issuance of a marriage certificate.
According to officials, the initial demand was ₹20,000. The amount was subsequently negotiated down to ₹15,000.
Rather than pay the amount privately, the complainant contacted the ACB, enabling the anti-corruption agency to verify the allegations and plan a trap operation.
The ACB said its discreet verification established a prima facie case of demand for a bribe. Following this, investigators registered a formal criminal case against the accused.
FIR registered under Prevention of Corruption Act
Following the verification, the ACB registered FIR No. 11/2026 at Police Station ACB Central J&K, Jammu.
The case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.
The provision deals with public servants allegedly accepting or seeking illegal gratification in connection with an official act.
After registration of the FIR, the ACB constituted a specialised trap team to catch the accused while allegedly accepting the money.
Accused allegedly caught red-handed
The trap operation was subsequently carried out by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
During the operation, the ACB allegedly caught Ajay Kumar red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹15,000 from the complainant.
The alleged bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings.
The accused was arrested immediately after the operation, according to the ACB.
The successful trap provided investigators with further material for the ongoing criminal investigation.
Government office employee identified
Ajay Kumar is posted as a Junior Assistant in the Office of the Assistant Commissioner (General), Jammu.
Officials identified him as a resident of Gango Chack in the Gajansoo area of Jammu district.
His alleged involvement in the matter is connected to the processing of a marriage certificate under the Special Marriage Act.
The ACB’s action has once again highlighted the role of anti-corruption agencies in investigating complaints against government employees accused of demanding illegal payments for official services.
Search conducted at accused’s residence
Following the arrest, the ACB also conducted a search at the residential premises of the accused government employee.
The search was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses, officials said.
Such searches form part of the investigation process and can help investigators identify additional evidence relevant to the allegations.
The agency has not indicated that any further accused have been arrested in connection with the case.
Investigation continues
The ACB has said that further investigation is underway.
Investigators will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand, the processing of the marriage certificate and other evidence collected during the trap operation.
The investigation will also establish the full circumstances of the alleged transaction and determine whether any other individuals were involved.
As the case is still under investigation, the allegations against the accused have not been judicially established.
ACB continues anti-corruption operations
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau regularly acts on complaints alleging bribery and misuse of official positions.
Trap operations are designed to catch public servants while allegedly accepting illegal gratification, with independent witnesses present during the proceedings.
The agency’s latest action in Jammu followed a complaint from a citizen who chose to approach investigators rather than comply with the alleged demand.
The case therefore also highlights the importance of reporting suspected corruption through appropriate legal channels.
Marriage certificate at centre of case
The alleged bribe demand was reportedly linked to the issuance of a marriage certificate under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Marriage certificates and other official documents often require citizens to interact with government departments and officials.
Any alleged demand for money beyond prescribed official fees can cause significant hardship, particularly when people depend on government offices to complete essential documentation.
In this case, the complainant’s decision to approach the ACB resulted in a trap operation and the subsequent arrest of the government employee.
Legal process will now determine outcome
Although the ACB has described the operation as successful and said the accused was caught red-handed, the matter will now proceed through the legal process.
The FIR, alleged demand, recovery of money and other evidence will be examined as part of the investigation and subsequent proceedings.
The accused remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until guilt is established by a competent court.
The ACB’s investigation is expected to establish the complete facts of the case.
Action sends message against bribery
The arrest sends a strong message about the consequences of allegedly seeking illegal gratification while performing public duties.
For citizens, the case also demonstrates that complaints of bribery can be taken to specialised anti-corruption authorities rather than handled through unofficial payments.
The Jammu and Kashmir ACB’s investigation will now focus on establishing the facts surrounding the alleged demand and acceptance of ₹15,000.
For now, Ajay Kumar has been arrested in connection with the alleged bribery case, while further investigation continues.