J&K ACB Traps and Arrests Rajouri PDD Meter Reader for Accepting ₹30,000 Bribe

RAJOURI, March 17, 2026 — The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully executed a sting operation leading to the red-handed arrest of Arif Iqbal, a Meter Reader with the Power Development Department (PDD) in Rajouri, for demanding and accepting an illegal gratification of ₹30,000.

According to official reports, the case was registered under FIR No. 03/2026 at Police Station ACB Rajouri after a local resident, who previously operated a tyre shop, lodged a formal complaint. The complainant alleged that despite consistently paying his electricity bills, he was approached by Iqbal in February 2026.

The official initially demanded ₹50,000 to “take care” of future billing, and when the complainant refused, Iqbal allegedly resorted to intimidation, threatening to artificially inflate the meter readings.The situation escalated on March 5, 2026, when Iqbal reportedly handed the complainant an exorbitant electricity bill totaling ₹1,53,890 for a single month, subsequently demanding a ₹50,000 bribe to “adjust” the massive amount. Following negotiations, the bribe amount was settled at ₹30,000.

Refusing to comply with the corrupt demand, the victim approached the ACB, which promptly constituted a specialized trap team. The investigators caught Iqbal in the act of accepting the marked currency notes, leading to his immediate arrest on the spot.

Following the apprehension, the ACB conducted extensive searches at the accused’s residence in Rajouri to uncover further evidence. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities look into potential systemic irregularities within the local billing department.