JAMMU – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Jammu, has registered a regular case against a Head Constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly demanding a bribe to return recovered stolen property.
The Incident
The case involves Som Dutt, a Head Constable stationed at Police Station Bishnah, Jammu, who was acting as the Investigating Officer (IO) in a theft case.
The complainant, Shri Kewal Krishan Mehra, had reported the theft of gold ornaments from his residence in January 2026. While the local police successfully arrested the thief and recovered the ornaments, the process of returning the property to the rightful owner hit a corrupt roadblock.
Demand Despite Court Order
On April 1, 2026, the Court of the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Bishnah, issued an official order directing the police to release the recovered gold ornaments to Mr. Mehra.
However, Head Constable Som Dutt allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹20,000 from the complainant to comply with the court’s order and return the property.
Following a verification process conducted by the CBI, the bribe demand was reportedly settled at ₹10,000.
Official Action
Based on a written complaint filed by Mr. Mehra on April 2, the CBI registered a First Information Report (FIR) on April 3, 2026. The accused has been booked under:
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- Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), which pertains to public servants taking undue advantage.
The investigation has been officially entrusted to Shri Sunil Kumar Meena, DSP, CBI, ACB, Jammu. The FIR was authorized by V. Chandu, Head of Branch, CBI Jammu.
