Vigilance Bureau Nabs ASI Red-Handed Accepting Rs. 20,000 Bribe in Bathinda
Chandigarh, July 7
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), as part of its ongoing anti-corruption drive in the state, has apprehended ASI Baljit Singh, posted at Police Station Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000.
An official spokesperson of the state VB disclosed this today, stating that the accused was arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Bir Talabh village in Bathinda district.
The spokesperson explained that a physical altercation had occurred between the complainant’s relative and another party who were cultivating crops on the complainant’s relative’s 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 the injured party.
The complainant alleged that the accused ASI demanded and accepted an initial bribe of ₹2,000 on the spot. Later, when the complainant followed up on the status of the case, the accused ASI further demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the attackers.
The complainant informed him that he only had Rs. 10,000, but the accused ASI asked him to arrange the remaining balance. The complainant requested a few days to gather the funds and also recorded the entire conversation in which the bribe was demanded.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, the 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 the presence of two official witnesses.
A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at VB Police Station Bathinda, and further investigation is underway.
