1 February 2024
Sandeep Dhand ( Ludhiana)
In a significant development, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has registered a case of corruption against Navdeep Singh, a meter reader stationed at Sub-Division Ferozepur City within the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The allegations include accepting bribes and intimidating electricity consumers.
The case was initiated based on an online complaint filed by Raghbir Singh, a resident of Kirti Nagar, Ferozepur City, through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. According to the spokesperson of the State Vigilance Bureau, the complainant accused the meter reader of demanding bribes under the guise of addressing purported malfunctions in the electricity meter installed at his residence.
Shockingly, Raghbir Singh asserted that this was not an isolated incident, revealing that the accused had previously extorted Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 from both him and his sister-in-law on separate occasions. Despite lodging a detailed complaint with the concerned Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) at PSPCL, the complainant claimed that no action was taken to address his grievances.
Undeterred, Raghbir Singh took matters into his own hands by recording conversations with the meter reader where bribes were being demanded. This compelling evidence was submitted to the Vigilance Bureau, prompting an in-depth investigation by the VB Range Ferozepur.
Upon thorough examination, the Vigilance Bureau found the allegations against Navdeep Singh to be substantiated, leading to the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Vigilance Bureau Police Station Ferozepur Range, and further legal action is underway.
This revelation sheds light on the pervasive corruption within the PSPCL, with a trusted meter reader exploiting his position for personal gain. The incident raises questions about the efficacy of the complaint redressal system within the PSPCL, as the complainant’s grievances were allegedly ignored until the Vigilance Bureau intervened.
The case also highlights the importance of citizens taking proactive measures to expose corruption. Raghbir Singh’s decision to record conversations proved instrumental in bringing the illicit activities of the accused to light.
As this case unfolds, it emphasizes the need for stringent measures to ensure the integrity of public services and to curb corruption at all levels. The PSPCL, as a crucial provider of electricity, must address these issues promptly to maintain public trust and uphold ethical standards within its workforce. The legal proceedings against Navdeep Singh serve as a stern reminder that corrupt practices will not be tolerated, and individuals found guilty will face the consequences of their actions.