Srinagar, August 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a Junior Building Inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a complainant in connection with construction work in Batamaloo.

The official, identified as Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector for SMC Ward Batamaloo, was allegedly caught during a trap operation in the Mominabad area.

According to the complaint, the official had allegedly sought illegal gratification from a complainant, reportedly a builder, in connection with the construction of two structures. The complainant had already obtained the required building permission from the competent authority, according to the allegations.

The complainant further alleged that the official was deliberately delaying and obstructing the construction work, causing harassment and allegedly pressuring him to pay the demanded amount.

Following the complaint, the ACB carried out a discreet verification, which it said prima facie substantiated the allegations. Subsequently, FIR No. 11/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

A trap team was constituted and the accused official was allegedly caught while demanding and accepting ₹10,000 from the complainant.

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

Further investigation into the case is underway.