ACB arrests PDD meter reader for accepting Rs 30,000 bribe in Rajouri

Srinagar, Mar 17: The J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday said they have arrested, a meter reader posted in PDD Rajouri, after catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of rupees 30,000 from a complainant in exchange for reducing an inflated electricity bill.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a case against Arif Iqbal, presently posted as Meter Reader in PDD Rajouri vide FIR no. 03/2026 at PS ACB Rajouri u/s 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) on 17.03.2026 on the basis of a complaint alleging therein that complainant was running a Tyre Shop from the year 2019 to 2021, after which his shop was closed.

“He has an electricity connection and was regularly paying his electricity bill. He received an electricity bill for the period from 31.12.2025 to 31.01.2026 for an amount of ₹2497 in February 2026.”

“In this connection, Arif Iqbal Meter Reader of PDD Rajouri met complainant and asked him to give ₹50,000 so that he can take care of his electricity bill on this complainant told him that he will pay bill according to the meter reading.”

“After this, he threatened the complainant that his electricity bill will be increased. On 05.03.2026, Arif Iqbal came again and handed over an electricity bill for the period of 31.01.2026 to 28.02.2026 for an amount of ₹1,53,890 with due date for payment as 27.03.2026 and when complainant asked him about such a high bill. Arif Iqbal (Meter Reader) demanded ₹50,000 as bribe to adjust the bill. Subsequently, the said demand was negotiated to ₹30,000,” said the spokesperson.

He added, since the complainant did not want to give illegal gratification to the above named Meter Reader, he approached and lodged a written complaint in Police Station ACB Rajouri for taking legal action against the above named Arif Iqbal (Meter Reader).

“After registration of the case, a trap team of ACB PS Rajouri was constituted. The team caught red handed the accused Arif Iqbal, Meter Reader of PDD Rajouri while demanding and accepting bribe of ₹30,000 from the complainant. He was arrested on the spot. Subsequently, searches were also conducted in the residential house of accused at Rajouri.

Further investigation in the case is going on,” spokesperson added.