Vigilance Bureau Action in Ludhiana
In a major step reinforcing Punjab’s zero tolerance against corruption, the Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a private individual while he was allegedly accepting a ₹20,000 bribe in Ludhiana. The bribe was reportedly being collected on behalf of a clerk posted in the Tehsil East branch of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The accused, identified as Rajat Sharma, a resident of Basant Nagar in Partap Singh Wala, Ludhiana, was caught red-handed by VB officials. According to investigators, Sharma was working as an aide to Amaninder Singh, the clerk who allegedly demanded the bribe.
Complaint Filed on Anti-Corruption Portal
An official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau stated that the action was taken after a complaint was lodged on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line portal. The complainant alleged that Clerk Amaninder Singh demanded ₹50,000 for providing information related to the registration of a plot in the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation area.
After verifying the allegations, the VB laid a trap and deployed independent witnesses to ensure transparency. Sharma was apprehended while collecting ₹20,000 as part of the bribe amount from the complainant.
How the Trap Was Executed
Officials confirmed that the VB team organized the operation with two government witnesses present. During the questioning, Rajat Sharma admitted he was unofficially working with Clerk Amaninder Singh. He also revealed that Singh had directed him to collect the bribe amount.
Following the arrest, a formal case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at the VB Police Station, Ludhiana range. While Sharma is in custody, officials have assured that further investigation is underway and the main accused, Amaninder Singh, will be arrested soon.
Punjab Government’s Stand Against Corruption
The Vigilance Bureau emphasized that the operation reflects the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s zero tolerance policy against corruption. Over the past months, the state has witnessed several crackdowns where government employees and their aides were arrested for bribery and misuse of office.
By enabling citizens to file complaints directly through the Anti-Corruption Action Line, the government has strengthened accountability in public offices. Officials noted that such initiatives are encouraging more citizens to come forward with complaints, ensuring corrupt practices are systematically rooted out.
Moving Toward Transparent Governance
This latest case underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to clean governance. The Vigilance Bureau has urged citizens to continue reporting any such instances through official channels without fear. Transparency, they stressed, is only possible when both government and public act together against corruption.
For residents of Punjab, the arrest of Sharma and the expected action against Clerk Amaninder Singh demonstrate that the government is actively responding to grievances and acting swiftly against corrupt practices.