Former Girdawar Convicted in Bribery Case, Sentenced to 3.5 Years – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama has convicted a former Girdawar of Keegam Shopian, Ghulam Hassan Kumar, in a long-pending bribery case, sentencing him to three and a half years of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹30,000.

As per the judgment, Kumar, son of Ghulam Rasool Kumar and a resident of Tarigam Devbug, Kulgam, was found guilty under Sections 5(2) read with 5(1)(d) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 161 RPC. The conviction relates to an incident from June 16, 2008, when the then-Girdawar was caught red-handed by the Vigilance Organisation Kashmir (now Anti-Corruption Bureau) while accepting a bribe of ₹2,000. The bribe was demanded in exchange for demarcating land measuring 18 kanal and 18 marla.

Following the successful trap operation, the case was registered under FIR No. 22/2008 at PS VOK. After completion of investigation, the chargesheet was filed on December 4, 2008. The case underwent a prolonged judicial process, culminating in the verdict delivered on August 18, 2025.

The court sentenced the accused to simple imprisonment of three years and six months under Section 5(2) r/w 5(1)(d) of the J&K PC Act along with a fine of ₹20,000. In default of payment, he will undergo an additional three months’ imprisonment. Under Section 161 RPC, Kumar was further sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000, with an additional one month’s imprisonment in case of default.

The conviction, the court observed, underscores the judiciary’s resolve and the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s continued efforts to uphold integrity and accountability within public service.