Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrests two for bribery in Bathinda

As part of its ongoing anti-corruption drive, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Palwinder Singh, a Building Inspector with the Municipal Corporation Bathinda, and Honey Munjal, a Bathinda-based architect, for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.

An official spokesperson for the Vigilance Bureau disclosed that the arrests were made following a complaint by Sandeep Singh, a resident of Burj Mehma village in Bathinda district. The complainant alleged that Palwinder Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 per file through architect Honey Munjal to approve plans for a new colony being developed in Bathinda. The accused reportedly sought Rs 80,000 for three files, threatening to raise objections if the payment was not made.

After verifying the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau’s Bathinda unit set up a trap. Honey Munjal was caught red-handed accepting Rs 30,000 in bribe money in the presence of two official witnesses. The Building Inspector, Palwinder Singh, was subsequently arrested as well.

A case has been registered against both under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station, Bathinda Range. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, the spokesperson added.

This action highlights the Punjab Vigilance Bureau's commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in public service.