Vigilance Bureau Nabs Gurdaspur Assistant Town Planner in ₹10,000 Bribery Case
In a firm crackdown on corruption within the state’s administrative machinery, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on May 28, 2025, arrested Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Charanjit Singh, posted at Nagar Council, Gurdaspur, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10,000. The arrest followed a sting operation based on a complaint from a local architect.
Architect’s Complaint Triggers Vigilance Action
According to an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau, the complaint was filed by an architect residing in Anandpur village, Tehsil Dinanagar, in Gurdaspur district. The complainant had applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a construction project in Gurdaspur city.
The file, after being reviewed and approved by the Building Inspector and Draughtsman, was passed on to Assistant Town Planner Charanjit Singh for final approval. However, the architect alleged that Singh deliberately raised unnecessary objections and subsequently demanded ₹10,000 to clear the project file.
Trap Laid, Officer Caught Red-Handed
Following the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau conducted a preliminary verification of the allegations. Upon confirming the credibility of the claim, the VB team swiftly laid a trap under the supervision of senior officers.
During the operation, ATP Charanjit Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount from the complainant. The arrest was made in the presence of two official government witnesses, ensuring procedural transparency and legal credibility.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The Vigilance Bureau has registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The accused will be produced before the competent court on May 29.
A VB official stated:
“The case is currently under detailed investigation. Any additional involvement or irregularities will be thoroughly probed as per the legal process.”
State Government’s Zero Tolerance Toward Corruption
This latest arrest reinforces the Punjab Government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Vigilance Bureau has intensified its efforts to identify and prosecute corrupt officials across departments, particularly in areas affecting public services and infrastructure development.
Corruption in town planning departments has long been a point of concern, often hindering development projects and causing delays for professionals like architects, engineers, and property developers. The Vigilance Bureau’s proactive intervention is expected to restore public trust in administrative processes.
Public Support Urged for Reporting Corruption
The Vigilance Bureau continues to encourage citizens to report any instances of bribery or administrative misconduct. Citizens can file complaints through the official VB helpline or submit written grievances at district VB offices.
“Our teams are committed to taking swift action on genuine complaints. With public cooperation, we can ensure a transparent and accountable governance system,” a VB spokesperson added.
Implications for Urban Planning in Gurdaspur
The arrest of an Assistant Town Planner highlights systemic issues within the urban planning and development sector. Industry professionals and civic groups in Gurdaspur have welcomed the Bureau’s action and are hopeful it will serve as a deterrent for others misusing public office.