Srinagar, Sept 30 :
A Special Anti-Corruption Court in Srinagar has granted bail to a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer posted at State Tax Department, who was arrested red-handed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while allegedly accepting a bribe in Srinagar.
The officer, identified as Sarfaraz Ahmad Bhat, Circle-B CTO of State Taxes Department, was caught by the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch on September 19 following a complaint from a local trader. The complainant alleged that the officer had demanded ₹50,000 for clearing a GST file.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and arrested the officer while allegedly receiving a part payment of ₹20,000 in the presence of independent witnesses. He was immediately taken into custody and remanded for investigation.
In its opposition to the bail plea, the prosecution argued that corruption cases involving public servants demanded stricter treatment as they undermined public trust. The CBI maintained that the accused, given his official position, could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence if released.
However, after hearing arguments from both sides and relying on Supreme Court precedents, Special Judge Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases) Adnan Sayeed, according granted bail to the officer. The court observed that “bail is the rule and jail is an exception,” adding that further custody would serve no purpose since the bribe amount had already been recovered and the investigation had reached a crucial stage.
The court directed the accused to furnish a personal and surety bond of ₹1 lakh each, not to leave Jammu and Kashmir without permission, and to cooperate fully with the investigating agency.
The case, registered under FIR No. 07/2025, continues to be investigated by the CBI Srinagar branch.