Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Punjab government has taken a major step against 2007-batch IPS officer Inderbir Singh by granting approval to prosecute him in cases related to drugs and corruption. The long-pending case will now move forward in court with this sanction from the Home Department.
Inderbir Singh is currently posted with the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) in Jalandhar. The Vigilance Bureau will present the approval in court, clearing the way for the trial to begin.
First Case: Allegation of Protecting a Drug Smuggler
The case against IPS officer Inderbir Singh relates to two separate incidents from 2022, in which he faces serious allegations of bribery. In the first case, linked to an NDPS matter registered in Tarn Taran, Singh allegedly demanded ₹12 lakh to remove the name of a drug supplier, Pishora Singh, from the records, of which around ₹9.97 lakh was reportedly recovered.
Second Case: Extortion from a Sub-Inspector
The second case involves extortion from a police sub-inspector, who was allegedly threatened with being implicated in a drug case and kept in illegal custody, with ₹35 lakh reportedly demanded to settle the matter. Later, ₹23 lakh was allegedly collected and delivered to Inderbir Singh.
DSP Turns Witness, Case Takes Major Turn
A major development occurred when co-accused DSP Lakhbir Singh Sandhu turned approver, recording his statement in court and claiming that he personally handed over the bribe money to Inderbir Singh. The case had earlier stalled due to the lack of government sanction for prosecution. However, with the Punjab government now granting the required approval, the Vigilance Bureau will submit the necessary documents in court, allowing the trial to resume.
Proceedings are expected to move quickly
With a strong charge sheet and witness statements already on record, the proceedings are expected to move quickly. This high-profile case, coming amid ongoing action against drugs and corruption in Punjab, is being closely watched. Major revelations are anticipated in the coming days, and all eyes are now on the court as the trial unfolds and the truth is expected to emerge.