Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Panchayat Secretary for Rs 15,000 Bribe; BDPO Evades Arrest

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Panchayat Secretary for Rs 15,000 Bribe; BDPO Evades Arrest

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Panchayat Secretary for Accepting Rs 15,000 Bribe; BDPO Evades Arrest

Chandigarh, March 18, 2025 — In a significant move to curb corruption within government offices, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday arrested Parmjit Singh, a Panchayat Secretary from the village of Jhall Bimbri in Kapurthala district, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000. The arrest comes after a complaint was filed by a local resident who alleged that both Parmjit Singh and Hardyal Singh, the Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) of Kapurthala, had sought a bribe in exchange for processing a payment related to a construction project.

While Parmjit Singh was caught red-handed, his co-accused, Hardyal Singh, managed to evade arrest and fled the scene before he could be apprehended.

The Incident and Arrest

The case came to light when a resident from village Jhall Bimbri reported to the Vigilance Bureau that Parmjit Singh, the Panchayat Secretary, and Hardyal Singh, the BDPO, had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 in exchange for issuing a bank check to cover the construction costs of a street in the village. The complainant alleged that the duo had set this amount as a condition for releasing the funds.

After receiving the complaint, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau initiated a swift investigation, conducting a preliminary inquiry. Acting on the information provided, the VB team laid a trap. On the day of the operation, Parmjit Singh was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The payment was made in cash, and the transaction was recorded by the VB team, leading to the Panchayat Secretary’s arrest.

However, despite the team’s efforts, Hardyal Singh, the BDPO, managed to flee the scene and evade capture. Authorities are now pursuing leads to locate and arrest him.

Legal Action and Investigation

Following the arrest, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against both Parmjit Singh and Hardyal Singh. A formal investigation has begun, and Parmjit Singh will be presented before a competent court in the coming days. The VB spokesperson confirmed that further investigations are underway to understand the full scope of the corruption involved, and they are working diligently to apprehend Hardyal Singh.

This arrest is seen as a significant achievement in the Punjab government’s ongoing battle against corruption, especially in rural areas where such bribery cases have long been a challenge. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has been actively targeting corrupt officials across the state as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign.

Implications for Public Service and Transparency

The arrest of a government official, such as Parmjit Singh, for accepting a bribe underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within public services. The demand for bribes in exchange for processing public funds, especially in rural areas, is not only illegal but also undermines the public’s trust in government institutions.

Residents of Punjab have long been calling for reforms to ensure that public servants perform their duties without resorting to corrupt practices. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has promised to tackle corruption head-on. This latest arrest is part of the broader efforts to root out bribery and ensure that funds meant for public welfare are used appropriately.

The case has also brought attention to the need for increased vigilance in government dealings involving rural development projects, where such malpractices are common. It highlights the importance of robust systems to detect corruption at all levels of administration, ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of the community.

Vigilance Bureau’s Ongoing Efforts

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has made it clear that it will continue its efforts to expose corruption in the state. In recent months, several government officials across different departments have been arrested in connection with corruption cases. The bureau’s swift action in this case demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that public servants are held accountable for their actions.

Public awareness campaigns are also being promoted to educate citizens about their rights and how to report corrupt practices. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau encourages residents to come forward with complaints, assuring them of confidentiality and protection during the investigation process.

The Road Ahead

While Parmjit Singh has been arrested and a case has been registered against him and his accomplice, Hardyal Singh, the investigation is far from over. Authorities are determined to bring all those involved in this corrupt practice to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The arrest of a Panchayat Secretary and the subsequent pursuit of a senior official like the BDPO shows that the Punjab government is serious about its commitment to fighting corruption at all levels. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity in public service.