The Vigilance Bureau Punjab, during its ongoing campaign to eradicate corruption in the state, on Monday arrested Satwinder Singh Kang BDPO Sidhwan Bet block, Ludhiana district and Lakhwinder Singh Chairman Block Samiti Sidhwan Bet for misappropriation in the Government funds to the tune of Rs 65 lakh for purchasing street lights at the double cost than the approved rate which were to be installed in 26 villages.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau (VB) said that during investigation of a Vigilance Enquiry No 03 dated 12-07-2022, it was found that Satwinder Singh BDPO (Now under suspension) during his posting in the Sidhwan Bet block had received official grant for installation of street lights in 26 villages. In order to embezzle the funds the said BDPO in criminal connivance with Gaurav Sharma, proprietor of M/s Amar Electrical Enterprises, had deliberately purchased the lights at a cost of Rs 7,288 per light against the approved rate of Rs 3,325. In this way he had misappropriated Government grant to the tune of Rs 65 lakh for his own use and caused financial loss to the state exchequer, he added.
Giving more details he informed that in this case FIR No. 10 Dated 27-09-2022 under section 409, 120-B of IPC and Sec 13(1) (a), 13(2) Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered VB, police station, economic offences wing, Ludhiana against Satwinder Singh Kang BDPO and Gaurav Sharma Prop. of M/s Amar Electrical Enterprises. He added that later on Lakhwinder Singh Chairman Block Samiti Sidhwan Bet, has also been nominated in this case during the investigation. In this case BDPO and Chairman has been arrested and would be produced in the court tomorrow.
Revealing the modus operandi the spokesperson further added that the resolution to install street lights was passed on 30-12-2021 by the members of Block Samiti Sidhwan Bet but the accused BDPO approved quotation on 27-12-2021 before the resolution was passed. In order to usurp the funds the above mentioned BDPO had also prepared completion certificate even the street lights were not installed at all in the 26 villages. Further investigation in this case is under progress.