The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended ASI Baljit Singh posted at police station Talwandi Sabo district Bathinda, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bir Talabh district Bathinda.He stated that a physical altercation occurred between the complainant’s relative and other party who were cultivating crops on the complainant's relative land.
The complainant's relative sustained injuries during the fight and was subsequently admitted to AIIMS Bathinda for medical treatment. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Baljit Singh arrived at the hospital to record the statement of those who were injured.
He added that the complainant alleged that accused ASI Baljit Singh demanded and accepted an initial bribe of ₹2,000 on the spot. Later, when the complainant followed up the status of the case, accused ASI further demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the attackers.
In this regard, Complainant told him that he has only Rs. 10,000/- money but accused ASI asked him to arrange remaining balance. The complainant requested few days to gather the funds. Complainant also recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB range Bathinda.
Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 20,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Bathinda and further investigation into this case is under progress.