Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests SDM Raikot’s Stenographer with ₹24 Lakh Bribe Money
Chandigarh, June 13, 2025: In a major crackdown against corruption in government offices, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested Jatinder Singh, stenographer to the SDM of Raikot, after recovering a bribe amounting to ₹24.06 lakh from his office. The arrest aligns with the Punjab government’s firm zero-tolerance policy against corruption under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The accused, Jatinder Singh, a resident of village Nurpura in tehsil Jagraon, was apprehended during a raid conducted by the vigilance team at the SDM Raikot office in Ludhiana district.
Bribe Complaint Triggers Vigilance Raid
According to a statement issued by a Punjab VB spokesperson, the arrest was made following a detailed investigation initiated after a formal complaint lodged by a resident of village Sukhana, located in Raikot tehsil.
The complainant alleged that both the SDM Raikot and his stenographer were involved in demanding hefty bribes from local residents in return for clearing official files and facilitating routine administrative tasks.
Upon receiving the complaint, the VB team acted swiftly, questioning the accused and searching the premises of the SDM office. During the search, a massive cash amount of ₹24,06,000 was recovered from an almirah in Jatinder Singh’s office.
Stenographer Fails to Explain Source of ₹24 Lakh
The vigilance officers noted that Jatinder Singh failed to provide any credible explanation for the large cash stash discovered. The inconsistencies in his statements, coupled with strong evidence, led to his immediate arrest under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
“A case has been registered at the VB Police Station, Ludhiana Range, and further investigation is underway,” confirmed the official VB spokesperson.
Punjab Government Reinforces Anti-Corruption Drive
This incident marks a significant development in the Punjab government’s commitment to clean governance. Under CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the administration has taken a strong stand against corruption, promising strict action against public servants who misuse their authority.
The arrest of a key functionary in the SDM’s office not only highlights the depth of the vigilance crackdown but also serves as a stern warning to other officials engaging in corrupt practices.
“We are committed to transparent governance. Anyone found guilty of corruption will face the full force of law, regardless of their position,” a senior government official stated.
Political and Public Reactions
The arrest has garnered strong public reactions, especially in Ludhiana and surrounding districts. Civic activists and opposition leaders have welcomed the action, urging the state to expand the probe and investigate higher-level involvement if any.
Meanwhile, local residents of Raikot expressed relief and cautious optimism, hoping this incident will encourage more citizens to report corrupt practices in administrative offices.
“People like us suffer the most because of bribery. We hope the government keeps up this momentum,” said Harbans Singh, a local farmer from Raikot.