The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Forest Guard from the J&K Forest Department, Billawar Zonal Office, District Kathua, in connection with a bribery case. The arrest was made after the accused was caught red-handed demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹35,000 from a complainant.
A case was registered by the CBI on March 20, 2025, based on allegations against the Forest Guard. According to the complaint, the accused had demanded ₹35,000 as a bribe to allow the smooth execution of a contract involving road construction and repairs. Additionally, the accused had allegedly confiscated the key to a JCB machine used by the complainant and demanded the bribe to return it.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI set up a trap to catch the accused in the act. During the operation, the Forest Guard was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from the complainant. Following this, the accused was immediately taken into custody.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody
The accused was presented before the Hon’ble Special Judge for Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases) in Jammu on March 21, 2025. After reviewing the case, the court remanded the accused to 14 days of judicial custody.
The CBI also conducted a search at the residence of the accused, located in Tehsil Billawar, District Kathua. During the search, several incriminating documents were recovered, which may be used as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The CBI is continuing its investigation to uncover any additional links or evidence related to the case. This arrest is part of the CBI’s broader efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in government departments.
