The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu, on Saturday registered a corruption case against an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and a Senior Assistant for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a complainant for processing a boiler inspection case.

An ACB spokesperson said that an FIR has been registered at Police Station ACB Jammu under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Er. Ravinder Krundu, Assistant Executive Engineer, presently posted as Inspector of Factories and Boilers in the Labour Department, and Gurdass, Senior Assistant.

According to the ACB, the complainant alleged that Ravinder Krundu had initially demanded Rs 60,000 as illegal gratification for processing and clearing his boiler inspection case. Following negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at Rs 40,000 to be paid through the office clerk, Gurdass.Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau for legal action.

The spokesperson said a discreet verification was conducted, which substantiated the allegations of demand for illegal gratification through the Senior Assistant. Based on the verification, the case was registered, and an investigation was taken up.

During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which laid a successful trap. Gurdass was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount from the complainant on behalf of Ravinder Krundu in the presence of independent witnesses.

The ACB said Ravinder Krundu was not present in his office when the trap was executed.

Gurdass was arrested on the spot after following due legal procedure. The tainted bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses.

The spokesperson added that searches were being conducted at the residential premises of both accused in accordance with law and in the presence of independent witnesses. Investigation in the case is continuing.