Jammu Tawi, Dec 31: The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) intensified its anti-graft drive in 2025 by registering 78 FIRs, uncovering major trap and land scam cases, and securing 13 convictions, reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
According to the year-ender, the ACB sustained a vigorous campaign throughout the year to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in public administration. The Bureau reiterated its commitment to decisive action against corrupt practices while bolstering public confidence in governance.
During 2025, the ACB investigated a wide range of corruption-related cases, including trap cases against public servants for demanding and accepting bribes, matters involving disproportionate assets, and cases of misuse of official position. Of the 78 cases registered, 36 were trap cases, 18 related to disproportionate assets, 15 involved abuse of official position, eight were linked to a major land scam concerning fraudulent alienation of custodian land, and one pertained to illegal appointments.
Charge-sheets were filed in 43 cases before competent courts, underscoring the Bureau’s emphasis on timely and professional investigations. Among the cases adjudicated during the year, seven resulted in convictions, leading to the conviction of 13 accused persons.
Alongside investigations, the ACB placed strong focus on preventive vigilance and systemic reforms. The Bureau carried out 703 verifications during the year, including miscellaneous matters, and successfully disposed of 764 cases, including those pending from the previous year. These verifications involved scrutiny of complaints, suspicious transactions and vulnerable procedures.
To address systemic weaknesses, the ACB issued 41 alert notes and 91 advisories to the government in 2025. These communications highlighted procedural lapses and corruption-prone areas identified through verifications, surprise checks and complaint examinations, aiming to strengthen internal controls and enhance transparency.
District Vigilance Officers (DVOs) continued to play a vital role at the departmental level. Over the past five years, DVOs referred 15,197 matters to the ACB, of which 12,406 were disposed of, reflecting a disposal rate of around 90 per cent. In 2025 alone, 3,960 matters were disposed of.
The Bureau also conducted 18 new Joint Surprise Checks during the year and concluded 19 such checks, including backlog cases. Additionally, 25 Preliminary Enquiries were registered, with 20 finalized within the year.
Public outreach remained a priority, with the ACB organizing Vigilance Awareness Programmes, workshops and interactive sessions involving citizens, students and government employees. These initiatives highlighted the ill effects of corruption and encouraged ethical conduct, while urging citizens to report corruption through confidential mechanisms.
Capacity building of officers and staff continued through regular training programmes, expert sessions and case study-based discussions. The ACB also initiated plans for specialised training for newly inducted officers in coordination with agencies like the CBI.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy, the ACB said it remains committed to fair, confidential and professional handling of complaints, and called for sustained public cooperation to foster a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir.
