Vigilance Bureau Tightens Anti-Corruption Drive
Chandigarh : The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Rajwinder Singh and Constable Baltej Singh for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. Both were posted at Police Station City Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district.
According to officials, the arrests were part of the VB’s ongoing drive against corruption in the state’s law enforcement and administrative systems. The action came after an NRI woman filed a complaint on the Punjab Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
A spokesperson for the VB confirmed that both accused officers were taken into custody and a case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar range.
Complaint by NRI Triggers Arrests
The case began when the complainant, a woman from the United Kingdom currently living in Mumbai, reported the incident to the anti-corruption helpline. She alleged that the ASI demanded Rs 50,000 from her NRI friend at the time of his arrest in a police case, offering help in securing bail from the court.
In a shocking revelation, the accused even allowed the detainee to withdraw the money from a local bank ATM in Sultanpur Lodhi to pay the bribe. Later, the officer allegedly demanded an additional Rs 5,000 from the complainant to assist in court proceedings.
The woman recorded parts of the conversation and submitted the evidence while filing her online complaint. Following verification, the VB confirmed the allegations were accurate.
Legal Action Underway Against Accused
After verification of facts, a formal case was registered against ASI Rajwinder Singh and Constable Baltej Singh. The VB spokesperson said both accused would be produced in a competent court tomorrow.
“The Vigilance Bureau is committed to eliminating corruption at every level. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty, regardless of their position,” the spokesperson said.
Officials added that the case highlights how the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line continues to empower citizens, including NRIs, to expose unlawful practices. The helpline has become a crucial tool for accountability in Punjab.
Strengthening Accountability in Punjab Police
The incident has once again put a spotlight on the Punjab Police’s accountability framework. Analysts note that despite several reforms, corruption within lower and mid-level ranks remains a challenge.
However, the VB’s proactive steps are seen as a deterrent. Citizens, especially NRIs, have increasingly used the online complaint system to report misconduct. By recording and submitting evidence, complainants are helping the state build stronger cases against corrupt officials.
The arrest of these officers also signals the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, particularly in law enforcement. Observers believe such strict action is essential to rebuild public trust in the police force.
Way Forward in Punjab’s Anti-Corruption Campaign
The VB has pledged to continue its crackdown and has urged citizens to report incidents through proper channels. With increased reliance on technology, the bureau has been able to verify complaints faster and act promptly.
Experts say that such drives, if sustained, could reduce misuse of power and improve governance. At the same time, civil society groups argue for systemic reforms in recruitment, training, and supervision within the police department.
For now, the arrests of ASI Rajwinder Singh and Constable Baltej Singh highlight a strong message: corruption within the police ranks will not be tolerated. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to determine the extent of their accountability.