JALANDHAR – In a major operation aimed at rooting out graft within the state’s food procurement machinery, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested an Inspector and a Junior Auditor from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs on charges of soliciting and accepting bribes.
The arrests, which have sent ripples through the district administration, stem from allegations of bribery linked to the allocation and storage of paddy for the 2025-26 Kharif marketing season.
The Complaint
The crackdown followed a formal complaint submitted via the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. The complainant, a rice sheller owner from Cheema Mandi, Tehsil Sunam, alleged that officials were demanding illegal gratifications to facilitate the mandatory storage work required for custom milling.
To substantiate the claims, the complainant provided the Vigilance Bureau with audio-visual evidence, which proved critical in the subsequent trap operation.
Details of the Alleged Graft
According to a spokesperson for the Vigilance Bureau, the investigation revealed a two-pronged bribery scheme involving officials in Bhogpur and Jalandhar:
-
Inspector Rajnish Rampal (Bhogpur): The accused allegedly extracted a total of ₹70,000 from the complainant. The bribe was split into two instalments: an initial payment of ₹50,000 and a subsequent payment of ₹20,000. Significantly, investigators noted that the second payment was accepted in the name of Gurvinder Singh, an Assistant Food and Supplies Officer (AFSO) in Bhogpur.
-
Junior Auditor Manav Bhanot (Jalandhar): Operating out of the District Controller’s office, Bhanot allegedly demanded and accepted ₹50,000 independently. This amount was reportedly intended to cover both himself and the District Controller, Narendra Singh, to ensure the smooth clearance of paddy storage formalities.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe
The Vigilance Bureau has registered a formal case against both Rampal and Bhanot at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Jalandhar, under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
While the primary arrests have been executed, the Bureau has signalled that the investigation is far from over. A spokesperson confirmed that the roles of the other mentioned officers—Gurvinder Singh (AFSO) and Narendra Singh (District Controller)—are being scrutinized.
“We are examining all links and evidence to determine the extent of involvement of other officials and employees,” the spokesperson stated, adding that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring accountability.
The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the state government’s intensified push to clean up the procurement process, a vital pillar of Punjab’s agricultural economy. Further developments are expected as the forensic analysis of the evidence and the questioning of the accused continue.
Leave a Reply