JK ACB records only 27 convictions in 6 years:Over 23,000 complaints filed, conviction rate stands at 12.6 %

An ACB report released on April 19 has raised concerns over the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir (JK) Anti Corruption Bureau(ACB), showing that only 27 out of 214 corruption cases were convicted between January 2020 and March 2026, a rate of just 12.6 %. According to an RTI reply, the ACB received 23,798 complaints between January 2020 and March 2026 but registered only 534 FIRs, a conversion rate of just 2.24%. Strong enforcement activity, weak judicial outcomes Despite limited convictions, enforcement activity remains significant. The ACB arrested 267 public servants, including 20 gazetted officers, and conducted 208 trap operations, recovering more than ₹ 1.22 crore in bribe money. A total of 325 cases were chargesheeted, while 432 remain under investigation. Performance varied across regions. The Srinagar Budgam Ganderbal unit recorded the highest activity with 178 FIRs. The Jammu Samba Kathua branch followed with 94 FIRs and reported the highest number of convictions at 15. However, regions such as Baramulla Kupwara Bandipora and the Central branch failed to secure a single conviction despite multiple chargesheets. Gap between enforcement and convictions persists Similarly, in the Central branch, six cases ended with charges not being proved. RTI activist Raman Sharma said the reply highlights a significant gap between enforcement action and judicial outcomes in corruption cases over the past six years. He said the figures present a mixed picture, where arrests and trap operations continue, but the conversion of complaints into FIRs and ultimately into convictions remains limited. The RTI reply also noted that the ACB continues preventive and awareness initiatives, including observing Vigilance Awareness Week and International Anti Corruption Day on December 9, with programmes aimed at promoting transparency and accountability among officials and the public. ​