Vigilance Bureau Arrests ASI for Accepting Bribe in Faridkot District
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at the Jaito police station in Faridkot district. The officer, identified as Harpal Singh, was apprehended for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 33,500.
Complaint Leads to Vigilance Action
The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by a resident of Jaito. According to the VB spokesperson, the complainant accused ASI Harpal Singh of demanding a bribe of Rs 2 lakh. The officer allegedly promised to help the complainant's husband and mother-in-law avoid police remand in a case registered under the NDPS Act.
The complainant stated that after negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 80,000. Singh reportedly accepted an initial payment of Rs 40,000. However, when he pressured for the remaining balance, the complainant decided to approach the Vigilance Bureau instead of complying.
Trap Laid, Officer Caught Red-Handed
Acting swiftly on the complaint, a specialized VB team set up a trap to catch the corrupt officer in the act. The operation was meticulously planned to ensure concrete evidence. During the trap, ASI Harpal Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the remaining bribe amount of Rs 33,500.
The VB spokesperson confirmed that the entire transaction was monitored and recorded, leaving no room for doubt about the officer's involvement in corrupt practices.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
Following the arrest, the Vigilance Bureau has registered a case against Harpal Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This legal action underscores the bureau's commitment to rooting out corruption within law enforcement agencies.
The arrest sends a strong message about zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, particularly among those entrusted with upholding the law. The VB's proactive approach in responding to citizen complaints highlights the importance of public vigilance in combating graft.
This incident in Faridkot district is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and integrity in police operations across the region.
