Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Cooperative Department Official in Dera Bassi for Rs 10,000 Bribe
Chandigarh, June 3, 2025: In a significant development under Punjab’s ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday apprehended Gurazad Singh, a Superintendent posted in the office of the Assistant Registrar (AR), Cooperative Societies, Dera Bassi, SAS Nagar district, while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
The arrest is part of a larger anti-corruption drive aimed at cleansing public institutions of malpractice and restoring citizens’ trust in administrative systems.
Bribe Demand Despite Loan Clearance
According to an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau, the arrest followed a complaint lodged by a resident of Chhachhroli village in Dera Bassi. The complainant had earlier taken a loan of Rs 2 lakh in 2012 from the Rani Majra Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative Service Society. Due to defaulted payments, the dues had increased to Rs 3,16,632.
However, on March 13, 2025, the complainant repaid the full outstanding amount, which had reached Rs 4,14,500 with interest, and obtained a clearance certificate from the cooperative society. Despite the repayment and formal clearance, Gurazad Singh allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 to approve the final order from the Assistant Registrar’s office and facilitate the release of the land from mortgage.
Caught Red-Handed by Vigilance Team
Acting on the verified complaint, the VB Flying Squad laid a trap at the official’s office. The team, accompanied by two independent government witnesses, caught the accused red-handed while receiving the bribe.
Incriminating evidence was also recovered during the operation, including unsigned, typed orders from the AR that were related to the complainant’s case. These documents, VB officials believe, were part of the process the accused was leveraging to extract money unlawfully.
A formal case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Flying Squad-1 in SAS Nagar. The investigation into the case is ongoing to determine whether more officials or systemic lapses are involved.
Vigilance Bureau Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy
A senior official of the Vigilance Bureau emphasized the agency’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in all government departments. “No official will be spared if found indulging in corrupt practices. The Bureau is actively pursuing leads and complaints to cleanse the system,” the official added.
The Punjab government has been vocal in its pursuit of clean governance and has launched multiple initiatives to strengthen transparency and accountability across departments. Regular workshops, digital monitoring tools, and public awareness campaigns are being integrated into the system to prevent such instances.
Public Encouraged to Report Corruption
The Vigilance Bureau has encouraged citizens to report any instances of bribery or administrative delays caused by corruption. Complaints can be submitted through the official helpline, email, or in person at regional VB offices. The Bureau assures confidentiality and swift action upon preliminary verification of allegations.