Punjab Vigilance Bureau Nabs Naib Tehsildar Reader Accepting Rs 8,000 Bribe in Hoshiarpur

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Nabs Naib Tehsildar Reader Accepting Rs 8,000 Bribe in Hoshiarpur

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Naib Tehsildar Reader for Rs 8,000 Bribe

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – In a significant blow to corruption within Punjab’s administrative machinery, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has successfully arrested a Naib Tehsildar Reader from Hoshiarpur for accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000. The arrest comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the state government to curb corruption and hold accountable officials involved in illegal practices.

The Alleged Bribe Demand

According to a spokesperson from the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, the arrest followed a complaint lodged by a resident of Shimlapuri, Ludhiana. The complainant reported that a Naib Tehsildar in Hoshiarpur had assisted his firm in taking possession of a property under the SARFAESI Act (Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act). This process was carried out under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur.

However, the complainant alleged that Alok, the Reader to the Naib Tehsildar, had demanded Rs 10,000 to facilitate the forwarding of the possession report to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. After some negotiation, the accused agreed to accept a reduced bribe of Rs 8,000, which ultimately led the complainant to file a formal complaint with the Vigilance Bureau.

VB’s Swift Action and Arrest

Following the receipt of the complaint, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau conducted a preliminary verification of the allegations. Once confirmed, they set up a trap. The VB team arranged for the complainant to deliver the bribe money to the accused. On February 27, 2025, the Vigilance Bureau team apprehended Alok red-handed while accepting the Rs 8,000 bribe in the presence of two official witnesses.

The arrest highlights the Punjab government’s commitment to addressing corruption at all levels of administration. A case has been registered against Alok under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau’s police station in the Jalandhar range. Investigations are ongoing to verify the involvement of other individuals in the alleged corrupt practices.

A Step Toward Combating Corruption

The arrest of the Naib Tehsildar Reader is another step in the Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s continuous efforts to combat corruption in the state. Over the past few years, the Bureau has been actively involved in investigating and apprehending corrupt officials across various departments. This case is just one example of how the state government is reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption.

For citizens, this action sends a clear message that the government is serious about upholding transparency and integrity within its public services. The Vigilance Bureau’s proactive stance helps ensure that officials abusing their positions for personal gain are held accountable.

What is the SARFAESI Act?

The SARFAESI Act allows banks and financial institutions to take possession of assets from defaulters to recover their loans. Under the act, lenders can take direct action without the need for court intervention, which includes taking possession of the property and selling it off to recover the dues.

In this particular case, the complainant’s firm had been involved in a property seizure under the provisions of the SARFAESI Act, and the accused allegedly sought a bribe to ensure the report was processed.

What’s Next for the Investigation?

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has now launched a thorough investigation into the case. While Alok has been arrested, the VB will continue to probe the involvement of other individuals, including the Naib Tehsildar, who may have been aware of or involved in the bribery scheme.

The state’s Vigilance Bureau remains committed to its anti-corruption mission, with further crackdowns on corrupt officials expected in the coming months. As part of the Punjab government’s larger anti-corruption agenda, more preventive measures, like streamlining government processes and ensuring transparency in public dealings, will likely be implemented.

A Call to Action for Public Vigilance

This arrest serves as a reminder to citizens that they can play a key role in fighting corruption. By reporting any instances of bribery or unethical practices, residents of Punjab can help the government rid the administration of corrupt individuals. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has continuously encouraged the public to come forward with information, ensuring confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers.

Conclusion: A Strong Stand Against Corruption

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s swift action in arresting the Naib Tehsildar Reader for accepting a bribe underscores the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks. With continued efforts to enforce accountability, the state is setting a precedent for transparency and integrity, encouraging a shift towards cleaner, more ethical governance.