Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Khanna Head Constable in Major Bribery Sting Operation
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has made a significant breakthrough in its anti-corruption drive by apprehending a police officer while allegedly accepting a substantial bribe. In a meticulously planned operation, the bureau arrested Head Constable Ramesh Kumar, who was posted at the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) in Khanna, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe amount of Rs 5.20 lakh.
Complaint from Ludhiana Resident Triggers Investigation
According to an official spokesperson from the state Vigilance Bureau, the arrest was initiated based on a formal complaint filed by a resident of Master Colony in Khanna, which falls under the Ludhiana district. The complainant, who is professionally engaged in property dealing, reported that he was falsely accused by the head constable of being involved in illegal gambling activities.
The situation escalated when the accused Head Constable informed the complainant that Narpinderpal Singh, the CIA In-charge at Khanna, had summoned him. Despite the complainant's insistence that he was not involved in any such illicit work, he was compelled to contact the CIA in-charge under duress.
Threats and Escalating Bribe Demands
Upon visiting the office and meeting CIA In-charge Narpinderpal Singh, the complainant faced serious allegations. Singh accused him of participating in betting and illegal lottery operations and subsequently demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh, which was to be delivered through Head Constable Ramesh Kumar. To intensify the pressure, Singh threatened to arrest the complainant after registering a false case against him, creating a climate of fear and coercion.
Under compulsion, the complainant managed to arrange Rs 2,20,000 and attempted to hand it over to Ramesh Kumar at the residence of an acquaintance named Dinesh Kumar in Khanna. However, the money was returned with a clear instruction that the entire amount of Rs 5 lakh was required. During further discussions with Head Constable Ramesh Kumar, the bribe demand was unexpectedly increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 5.20 lakh, adding to the complainant's distress.
Vigilance Bureau Intervention and Legal Action
Unwilling to succumb to the corrupt demands, the complainant proactively reached out to the Vigilance Bureau Unit in Hoshiarpur to seek justice. Following his complaint, a formal case was registered against both Narpinderpal Singh, the CIA In-charge at Khanna, and Head Constable Ramesh Kumar, setting the stage for a thorough investigation.
After conducting a preliminary inquiry, the VB team strategically laid a trap to catch the accused in the act. The operation was successful, with Head Constable Ramesh Kumar being arrested red-handed while accepting the bribe money of Rs 5.2 lakh from the complainant. The arrest was made in the presence of two official witnesses, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the operation.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
In response to the incident, the Vigilance Bureau has mobilized various teams to conduct extensive raids at the residence and other potential locations associated with Narpinderpal Singh, the CIA In-charge at Khanna. These efforts are part of a broader investigation to uncover any additional evidence or involvement in the corruption scandal.
A formal case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB police station in Ludhiana. This legal action underscores the bureau's commitment to combating corruption within law enforcement agencies and upholding the rule of law in Punjab.
The arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption in certain sectors and the critical role of vigilance bodies in ensuring accountability and justice. It serves as a stern warning to those who might engage in such illicit activities, reinforcing the message that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with stringent legal consequences.
