In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a government revenue officer for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe. The arrest, which took place in Sangrur, highlights the ongoing efforts of the state's anti-corruption agency to curb malpractices within the administration.
Details of the Bribery Allegation
Jagtar Singh, a tehsildar posted in Sangrur, was apprehended by VB officials on Wednesday. The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by a resident of Mehlan village in the Sangrur district. The complainant alleged that Singh, along with a clerk named Malvinder Singh, demanded a bribe of ₹30,000. The bribe was solicited in exchange for executing the registry of a piece of land recently purchased by the complainant.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau laid a trap and caught the tehsildar red-handed while he was accepting the illicit cash. An official spokesperson for the state VB confirmed the details of the operation and the subsequent arrest.
Recovery of Incriminating Amount
Following the arrest, the VB team conducted a search at the accused tehsildar's residence. During this search, officials made a substantial recovery of ₹1,45,000 in cash. The recovered amount is believed to be part of the proceeds from corrupt activities. The spokesperson indicated that the investigation is ongoing to trace the origins of this money and to uncover any other illicit dealings.
The bureau has also made it clear that the co-accused in the case, clerk Malvinder Singh, will be arrested soon. The VB is actively pursuing leads to take him into custody.
Legal Action and Ongoing Probe
A formal case has been registered against both accused individuals under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act. The case is being handled at the VB Police range in Patiala. This legal step underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the allegation of corruption at the grassroots level of land administration.
The arrest sends a strong message about the state's commitment to transparent governance. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, urging citizens to come forward and report any demands for bribes without fear. The investigation into this case continues as officials delve deeper into the modus operandi of the accused and examine past records for similar offenses.
