Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Baljit Singh, posted at Talwandi Sabo Police Station in Bathinda district, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20,000 during a trap operation as part of the state's ongoing anti-corruption drive.
According to an official spokesperson, the arrest was made following a complaint filed by a resident of Bir Talabh village in Bathinda district. The complainant alleged that a dispute had erupted between his relative and another group over agricultural land cultivation, during which his relative sustained injuries and was admitted to AIIMS Bathinda for treatment.
The spokesperson said ASI Baljit Singh had visited the hospital to record statements related to the incident. During this process, the complainant alleged that the officer initially accepted a bribe of ₹2,000. Later, when the complainant sought an update on the case, the ASI allegedly demanded ₹50,000 to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused persons.
The complainant reportedly informed the ASI that he could arrange only ₹10,000 initially, but the officer allegedly insisted that he arrange the remaining amount. The complainant also recorded the alleged conversation in which the bribe demand was made.
Refusing to pay the illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau's Bathinda Range. Acting on the complaint, the VB laid a trap and caught ASI Baljit Singh red-handed while allegedly accepting ₹20,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Bathinda. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
