Patwari arrested on bribe charge jumps from ACB vehicle, lands in hospital

Udhampur, Jan 07: A Patwari arrested on bribery charges in Udhampur district yesterday was hospitalized after allegedly attempting to escape custody by jumping from an Anti-Corruption Bureau vehicle, officials said.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau yesterday arrested Pardhan Singh, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Laddha in Tehsil Moungri, Udhampur, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 from a local resident.

Officials said the arrest was made after verification of the complaint and a successful trap, during which the bribe amount was recovered from the accused.

Sources said that while being transported by the ACB after his arrest, the Patwari attempted to flee custody by jumping out of the official vehicle. ACB personnel immediately chased him and managed to apprehend him after a brief pursuit.

During the escape attempt, the accused sustained injuries and was shifted to Moungri hospital in Udhampur for medical treatment. Officials said he is undergoing treatment and remains under custody.

An ACB official said that the accused will be produced before the competent court after completion of medical formalities. Further investigation into the case is underway. [KNT]