As part of its ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Monday arrested Head Constable Raj Kumar—posted as the personal security officer (PSO) to DSP Bhucho in Bathinda district—while he was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh.
Sharing details, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau stated that the arrest followed a complaint by a woman from village Kalyan Sukha, tehsil Nathana, district Bathinda. The complainant alleged that a false case had been registered against her husband and sons at Nathana police station due to a land dispute, and the matter was being probed by DSP Bhucho.
According to her, Raj Kumar, who served as the DSP’s Reader, contacted her using her own mobile number, claiming that he had discussed the case with the DSP and only the DSP’s signature was pending to finalize the re-investigation report. To get the case cancelled, he demanded a ₹2 lakh bribe, asking for ₹1 lakh as an advance to initiate the process. The complainant recorded the conversation and submitted it as evidence to the Vigilance Bureau.
Following a preliminary inquiry, a Vigilance Bureau team from the Bathinda range laid a trap and arrested Raj Kumar while he was accepting ₹1 lakh in bribe from the complainant in the presence of official witnesses. The bribe amount was recovered from his possession on the spot.
A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the Vigilance Bureau police station in Bathinda range. He will be presented before the court on Tuesday. The spokesperson added that if further investigation reveals the involvement of any other officials or individuals, they will also be included in the case.