Vigilance Bureau Arrests Home Guard Volunteer in Sangrur for Bribe Demand
Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) continues its relentless fight against corruption with the recent arrest of a Punjab Home Guard (PHG) volunteer, Malkit Singh, posted at Police Station City-1 in Sangrur. Singh was apprehended after he allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 80,000 from a complainant on behalf of police personnel.
The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on corrupt practices within Punjab’s police and law enforcement agencies, further underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting transparency and integrity.
How the Bribe Demand Unfolded
According to a spokesperson from the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, the arrest followed an investigation based on a complaint filed via the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. The complainant, a local resident, claimed that Malkit Singh had initially demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh on behalf of police officers to influence the outcome of a drug-related case involving her husband.
However, after negotiations between the complainant and Singh, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 80,000. The complainant, determined to expose the corruption, reported the incident to the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. The Bureau then initiated a formal investigation into the matter.
Investigation Confirms Bribe Allegations
Upon conducting a thorough investigation, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau confirmed that the bribe demand allegations against Malkit Singh were valid. The investigation revealed that Singh had, in fact, been acting on behalf of certain police personnel to facilitate the bribe exchange. Following this confirmation, the VB team set up a trap to apprehend Singh in the act of accepting the bribe.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Malkit Singh was arrested by the Vigilance Bureau officers after he received the bribe of Rs 80,000 from the complainant. The Bureau’s swift action underscores its commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of public service, including those within law enforcement.
The Role of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in Combating Corruption
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle corruption within the state’s administrative system. Since its inception, the Bureau has led numerous investigations into corrupt practices across various departments, including the police force.
This arrest highlights the growing problem of corruption within law enforcement agencies, where individuals in positions of authority often exploit their power for personal gain. The Punjab government has made it clear that it will not tolerate such behavior and will take action against anyone found guilty of corruption, regardless of their position.
As part of its broader anti-corruption agenda, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau encourages citizens to report any instances of bribery or unethical practices they encounter. The Anti-Corruption Action Line and other public reporting mechanisms have been critical tools in helping the Bureau gather intelligence and take swift action against corrupt officials.
Legal Implications for Malkit Singh
Following his arrest, a case has been registered against Malkit Singh at the VB police station in Patiala Range under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused is expected to be produced in a competent court in the coming days, where legal proceedings will begin.
The investigation into Singh’s actions is ongoing, and the involvement of other police personnel in the alleged bribery scheme will also be thoroughly examined. If further evidence of police involvement is found, the Vigilance Bureau will pursue additional charges against those individuals, further solidifying the government’s stance on eliminating corruption from its ranks.
A Call for Public Vigilance
The arrest of Malkit Singh serves as a critical reminder to the public that corruption in any form will not be tolerated. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and transparency in reporting unethical practices. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has urged citizens to continue using the Anti-Corruption Action Line to report any corrupt activities they witness within government departments, particularly law enforcement.
By taking such actions, the public can play an essential role in assisting the government in its fight against corruption and ensuring that law enforcement officials serve their communities with integrity.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures
The arrest of Malkit Singh is just one example of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the state. With continued vigilance and increased public awareness, the government hopes to create a cleaner, more transparent administration that can better serve the people of Punjab.
Citizens who encounter any form of bribery, exploitation, or corrupt behavior are encouraged to report it immediately, contributing to a broader effort to hold officials accountable and restore faith in public institutions.