In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Sunday arrested Suresh Kumar, a clerk at Malout Nagar Council in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, for allegedly accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe from an underprivileged widow.
Spokesperson said that the arrest was made following a complaint from a Malout resident. The complainant alleged that Suresh Kumar had demanded Rs 50,000 in bribes to release funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission, meant for the construction of a dwelling house. After negotiations, the clerk agreed to accept the bribe in installments.
Following a preliminary verification, VB officials laid a trap and caught Suresh Kumar red-handed while accepting Rs 20,000, the first installment of the bribe, at the complainant’s house. The tainted money was recovered on the spot in the presence of two official witnesses.
A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Bathinda Range, and further investigations are underway.
The Vigilance Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating corruption, urging the public to report bribery cases via the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line – 9501-200-200. The spokesperson assured that strict legal action would be taken against corrupt officials, ensuring accountability and transparency in government offices.
