In a significant move against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested Tehsildar Lakhwinder Singh of Dera Baba Nanak, along with his driver, for accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 on Friday. The arrests were made as part of the VB's ongoing crackdown on corrupt practices in the state.
According to an official spokesperson from the VB, the arrest came after a complaint was filed by Sukhdev Singh Sohi, a resident of Village Mansoor, Tehsil Dera Baba Nanak, now residing in Village Ramdas, Amritsar. Sohi alleged that Ajaib Singh from Dhandowal Shahkot, Jalandhar, had lodged a complaint against him over a land dispute.
The matter was assigned to Tehsildar Lakhwinder Singh for verification. Sohi, along with Dilbagh Singh, Numberdar of Village Ratta, met the Tehsildar, who allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 through Dilbagh Singh in return for a favorable report.
Following a preliminary investigation, the Vigilance Bureau set up a trap, catching the Tehsildar red-handed while accepting the bribe from Sohi in the presence of two official witnesses. The Tehsildar had passed the bribe money to his driver, who was also arrested for his role in handling the illegal payment.
A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both Lakhwinder Singh and his driver at the VB Police Station, Amritsar range. The accused will be presented before the court tomorrow, and further investigation is underway.