The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) finds itself embroiled in yet another corruption scandal as its Junior Engineer and a contractor were apprehended red-handed by the Vigilance Bureau while accepting a bribe. The incident, which unfolded in the industrial hub of Jalandhar, has sent shockwaves through the power utility's administrative circles.
The Sting Operation and Arrest
In a meticulously planned operation, the Vigilance Bureau team caught Junior Engineer Harpreet Singh and contractor Jaswinder Singh in the act of accepting a bribe amount of Rs 15,000. The arrest took place on Tuesday, marking another successful anti-corruption drive by the state's premier investigating agency.
The trap was laid following a formal complaint from a local resident who alleged that the PSPCL officials were demanding illegal gratification to perform their official duties. The complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau, which then devised a strategy to catch the accused red-handed.
Modus Operandi and Corruption Pattern
According to preliminary investigations, the accused officials had developed a systematic approach to extort money from citizens. The contractor, Jaswinder Singh, allegedly acted as a middleman between the Junior Engineer and the public, facilitating the illegal transactions while providing a layer of protection to the government official.
The bribe amount of Rs 15,000 was demanded for processing certain official documents and providing electricity-related services that fall within the normal duties of PSPCL employees. This case highlights the persistent corruption issues within the power distribution sector, where officials often exploit their positions to extract money from helpless consumers.
Legal Proceedings and Departmental Action
Following their arrest, both accused were produced before the competent court, which remanded them to police custody for further interrogation. The Vigilance Bureau has registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which could lead to severe legal consequences including imprisonment and fines if proven guilty.
Meanwhile, PSPCL authorities have initiated departmental proceedings against Harpreet Singh. The power corporation has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and officials found guilty in such cases typically face suspension and eventual termination from service. The incident has prompted PSPCL management to review its internal vigilance mechanisms and employee conduct regulations.
This case represents another chapter in the ongoing battle against corruption in Punjab's government departments. The Vigilance Bureau has intensified its operations against corrupt officials across various departments, with the power sector remaining a particular focus due to numerous complaints from the public about bribery demands for routine services.
