Punjab Newsline | Barnala
Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a Cooperative Department inspector for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 during its ongoing anti-corruption drive in the state.
According to an official spokesperson, Inspector Harsh Bansal, posted at the Cooperative Society in Tapa, Barnala district, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from a complainant during a trap operation conducted by the Vigilance Bureau's Patiala range.
The arrest was made following a complaint filed by Jang Singh, a retired secretary of the Cooperative Society, Tapa. Singh informed the Vigilance Bureau that a departmental inquiry was pending against him and alleged that the inspector had demanded ₹1 lakh to facilitate the release of his retirement dues and ensure the inquiry was settled in his favour. The amount was later negotiated to ₹50,000.
Refusing to pay the illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau, which verified the allegations and laid a trap. During the operation, Inspector Bansal was apprehended while allegedly accepting the bribe in the presence of two official witnesses. The tainted currency notes were recovered from his possession.
The Vigilance Bureau has registered a case against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station in Patiala. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
