SMC’s Jr. building inspector caught by ACB while taking Rs 10k bribe

Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau received a written complaint alleging that Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector, SMC, Ward No. 28, Srinagar, had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant in connection with the construction of two structures, despite the complainant having already obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority, ACB said on Thursday.

It was further alleged that the accused public servant was deliberately adopting delaying tactics by obstructing ongoing construction and causing harassment to the complainant with the intention of preventing him from completing the construction within the stipulated period, thereby putting the complainant under pressure to pay the demanded amount.

Upon receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. Accordingly, FIR No. 11/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar, and investigation was taken up.

During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and apprehended the accused public servant, Gazala Akhter, Jr. Building Inspector, SMC Srinagar, red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from the complainant. The bribe amount was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses, and she was taken into custody, the ACB said.

Further investigation in the case is in progress.