12 April
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has apprehended a Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) stationed at Pakhhowal, Ludhiana, caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000. The arrest follows a complaint filed by the Panchayat Secretary serving at Block Pakhowal, Ludhiana.
According to a spokesperson for the State Vigilance Bureau, the complaint detailed the BDPO’s demand for a bribe of Rs. 35,000 in exchange for releasing the salaries of the complainant and three other panchayat secretaries under his jurisdiction. Despite pooling Rs. 30,000 through mutual contributions, the complainant steadfastly refused to succumb to bribery.
Promptly acting on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau initiated an investigation and subsequently set a trap. In a meticulously planned operation, the accused BDPO was caught red-handed accepting the bribe of Rs. 30,000 from the complainant, with two government witnesses present to attest to the illicit transaction.
The arrest underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels, sending a strong message of accountability and transparency. As the wheels of justice turn, the vigilance against malfeasance in public office remains steadfast, ensuring that the trust and integrity of governance are upheld for the welfare of the citizens.