Srinagar, June 21 -- The trap, laid on the basis of a formal complaint, also led to the arrest of his associate, Rafi Ahmad Lone, a resident of Pathora Kralgund.

According to the ACB, the complainant - a resident of Handwara - alleged that the Tehsildar demanded Rs.1 lakh as a bribe in exchange for granting permission to cut walnut trees. Despite expressing financial hardship, the complainant was coerced into paying Rs.50,000 upfront. When he approached the official again for the required permissions, he was asked to pay the remaining Rs.50,000, prompting him to approach the ACB.

After verifying the complaint, the ACB registered FIR No. 04/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), at Police Sta...