Chandigarh : In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a Technical Assistant posted at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office in Bhogpur, district Jalandhar, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20,000.
The accused, identified as Ruhi Bala Kalia, was caught red-handed during a trap operation conducted by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau ’s Kapurthala unit.
Complaint Filed by Rice Mill Manager in Jalandhar
According to an official spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, the arrest was made following a complaint lodged by the Manager of Guru Tegh Bahadur Rice Mill, located at Nangal Fida, Sub-Tehsil Bhogpur, district Jalandhar.
The complainant stated that 49,086 bags of paddy were allotted to the rice mill for the 2025–26 procurement season. Out of this, two consignments comprising 1,160 bags of rice (580 bags each) were pending clearance and dispatch to the FCI warehouse at Bhogpur.
After the consignments were delivered, the accused allegedly demanded ₹25,000 as illegal gratification for clearing them.
Bribe Demand Recorded on Phone
The bribe demand was reportedly made during a telephonic conversation via the mobile p hone of the complainant’s munim (accountant), Adarsh Kumar.
The complainant further alleged that the accused had previously received ₹50,000 for clearing earlier consignments of the firm.
Also read : Punjab Sikhya Kranti: ₹400 Crore Digitalisation Project Transforms Government Schools
Fearing rejection of the pending stock, the complainant initially agreed under pressure. However, upon negotiation, the accused agreed to accept ₹20,000 instead of ₹25,000. The entire conversation regarding the bribe demand was recorded by the complainant as evidence.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau Trap Operation in Bhogpur
Refusing to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Punjab Vigilance Bureau Unit in Kapurthala and filed a formal complaint.
Acting swiftly, the VB team laid a trap operation. During the operation, Ruhi Bala Kalia was apprehended red-handed while accepting ₹20,000 from the complainant in the presence of official witnesses.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau police station in Jalandhar. Further investigation is currently underway.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau reiterated its commitment to curbing corruption in government offices and urged citizens to report any instances of bribery or misconduct.