Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today said 343 cases of corruption have been registered against government officials by state vigilance department during past four years.

Replying to the cut motion of PDP member Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, the Chief Minister told assembly that out of these 343 cases registered between January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009, 175 cases were registered in which public servants were caught red-handed while accepting bribe.

He further said that 42 cases were registered against public servants for being in possession of disproportionate assets.

State vigilance has also referred 292 cases to the government for accord of sanction for the prosecution, he said adding out of these prosectuion sanctions has been accorded by the government in 242 cases by autonomous bodies, PSUs in 21 cases.

Out of 343 cases registered by the state vigilance, 181 cases have been challaned before anti-corruption courts in Jammu and Srinagar.

In 38 cases, conviction was awarded during the period by the courts of special judges anti-corruption in Jammu and Srinagar.