Punjab Vigilance Bureau Cracks Down on Corruption: Arrests Head Constable in Bribery Case
Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Head Constable for Accepting Rs. 50,000 Bribe in Bathinda
Chandigarh, January 23, 2025 – In a significant development in its ongoing campaign against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Head Constable (HC) Nachattar Singh for allegedly accepting a Rs. 50,000 bribe. Singh, who was stationed at the 5th Commando Battalion in Bathinda, was caught red-handed during a sting operation. However, the main accused in the case, Commando Drill Officer (CDO) HC Tarsem Singh, remains at large, evading arrest.
Bribe Demanded for Departmental Inquiry Assistance
The arrest follows a complaint filed by HC Parminder Singh, another officer from the same Commando Battalion. In his complaint, Parminder Singh detailed how CDO Tarsem Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in exchange for assistance in a departmental inquiry that could determine his future employment status. The inquiry concerned Tarsem Singh’s alleged involvement in a police case that resulted in a two-year permanent forfeiture of his job.
According to the complaint, since Tarsem Singh was unavailable to collect the money himself, he instructed Parminder Singh to hand over the bribe to HC Nachattar Singh. Following these instructions, Parminder Singh approached the Vigilance Bureau with his complaint, sparking an immediate investigation.
Vigilance Bureau’s Swift Action
Upon receiving the complaint, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau initiated a swift investigation. A team from the VB Bathinda unit conducted a covert operation and set up a trap to catch the accused in the act. On the day of the sting, HC Nachattar Singh was apprehended while accepting the bribe from the complainant, HC Parminder Singh. The operation was carried out in the presence of two official witnesses, which provided further evidence of the crime.
The arrest of Nachattar Singh was a crucial step in the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the state police force. Following the arrest, a case was registered against both HC Nachattar Singh and CDO HC Tarsem Singh at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, under the Bathinda Range.
Main Accused Still at Large
Despite the successful arrest of Nachattar Singh, the main accused, HC Tarsem Singh, remains absconding. According to the Vigilance Bureau spokesperson, efforts to locate and arrest Tarsem Singh are ongoing. The Bureau has intensified its search operations, and several police teams are currently pursuing leads in an attempt to apprehend the officer responsible for orchestrating the bribery scheme.
The case has raised significant concerns regarding corruption within the police force, particularly the involvement of senior officers in illegal activities. The Vigilance Bureau has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of government, especially within law enforcement agencies.
Vigilance Bureau’s Commitment to Combating Corruption
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has long been a critical player in the state’s efforts to curb corruption and ensure accountability among public servants. The successful arrest of HC Nachattar Singh marks another victory for the Bureau in its fight against corruption. The Bureau’s ongoing operations aim to send a strong message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated, and offenders will be swiftly brought to justice.
The arrest is part of the larger Vigilance Bureau campaign to target corrupt officials in both law enforcement and government positions. By continuing to conduct sting operations and investigations like the one that led to this arrest, the Bureau aims to dismantle corruption networks that have long plagued the state.
Efforts to Strengthen Police Accountability
In light of this incident, many are calling for more stringent accountability measures within the Punjab Police. Corruption not only undermines public trust in law enforcement but also hampers effective policing and justice. Police accountability reforms and enhanced oversight are necessary to restore faith in the system and ensure that officers uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Moreover, the investigation into the role of CDO Tarsem Singh in the bribery case is expected to shine a spotlight on the potential systemic issues within the department. The Vigilance Bureau’s work in exposing and prosecuting corrupt practices is critical to maintaining the integrity of the Punjab Police and ensuring that those in positions of power are held to account.
A Call for Transparency and Integrity
This case highlights the importance of transparency and integrity in government institutions, particularly in law enforcement. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s quick response to the bribery allegations demonstrates the state’s commitment to fighting corruption head-on, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and systemic reform.
The arrest of HC Nachattar Singh and the ongoing search for HC Tarsem Singh serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their rank or position. The public expects law enforcement officers to serve as role models of integrity and justice, and incidents like this underscore the need for continued reforms and accountability within the Punjab Police.
Conclusion
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s successful operation in Bathinda highlights the importance of continuing efforts to eliminate corruption from the police force. As the investigation continues and efforts to apprehend the main accused intensify, the Bureau’s actions reinforce the state’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in law enforcement.