A squad of the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) caught Hira Lal Pandita, fireman (M) in the office of Director Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu, a senior SVO officer said.
He was arrested while taking a bribe of Rs 17,000 from Rakesh Singh of Samba, he said.
Singh had lodged a complaint with the SVO, alleging that the accused was demanding the money to ensure issue of a 'No Objection Certificate' for storage and sale of crackers in Samba, the officer said.