VLW arrested for demanding, accepting bribe in Kulgam

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said it has arrested a Panchayat Secretary (VLW) in Kulgam district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe.

According to ACB, a complaint was received alleging that Shiekh Zada Irfan, son of Sheikh Abdul Rashid of Muniwara Anantnag, posted as Panchayat Secretary (VLW) in Block Devsar of Kulgam, was demanding a bribe of ₹10,000, which was later negotiated to ₹5,000, for clearing bills related to labour charges under MGNREGA works.

The complainant approached the ACB instead of paying the bribe, following which a discreet verification was conducted that confirmed the allegations.

Subsequently, a case FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 read with the 2018 amendment was registered at Police Station ACB Anantnag and investigation was taken up.

During the investigation, a trap team was constituted, which successfully laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe. He was arrested on the spot and the bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.

ACB said a search of the accused’s residence was also conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.

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