Punjab minister sacking: details of 'bribe demand' by Vijay Singla; complainant recorded talk, says FIR

A bribe demand worth Rs 1 crore, 1% cut money on all contracts, a threat to "destroy careers", and a recording of payment of Rs 5 lakh bribe - these are the allegations and evidence against Vijay Singla, who was sacked as Punjab health minister and arrested on May 24.

The action was taken on the complaint of a government officer named Rajinder Singh, who is Superintending Engineer at Punjab Health System Corporation.

The FIR filed by police says that the complainant was called to Punjab Bhawan in April by minister Singla's Officer on Special Duty, or OSD, Pradeep Kumar. The OSD demanded Rs 1.16 crore as bribe for past construction allotments, and wanted 1% commission on every future contract, as per the FIR.

The complainant was then intimidated with the threat that his career would be destroyed. The complainant then decided to pay Rs 5 lakh to avoid mental harassment.

On May 23, the bribe was given and the conversation during the transaction was also recorded, as per the FIR. Subsequently, Vijay Singla was sacked by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

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