ACB traps SMC Building Inspector while accepting ₹10,000 bribe in Srinagar

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested a Junior Building Inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a complainant.

According to an ACB statement, a written complaint was received 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 latter having already obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority.

The complainant further alleged that the accused official was deliberately delaying the construction work and causing harassment by obstructing the ongoing construction, allegedly with the intention of pressuring him to pay the demanded amount and preventing completion of the work within the stipulated period.

Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. Subsequently, 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 investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team which caught Gazala Akhter red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting ₹10,000 from the complainant.

The tainted bribe amount was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which she was taken into custody.

Further investigation in the case is underway. — (KIMS)