Drive against corruption: Vigilance Bureau arrests MLA Jalandhar (Central) for indulging in organized corruption in connivance with local municipal officials
Chandigarh, May 23, 2025 : The Punjab Government demonstrates an unwavering resolve for zero tolerance against corruption in public service. This stance is under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) achieved an important breakthrough today. The Jalandhar Range office of the Bureau arrested Raman Arora. He is the sitting MLA, Jalandhar (Central). He was indulging in corruption in connivance with a certain official of the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation.
ATP Sukhdev Vashisht of Jalandhar MC Arrested by Vigilance Bureau in Bribery Case”
An official spokesperson of the VB disclosed today that the Bureau received a joint complaint on 14 May 2025, signed by three office bearers of the Engineers and Building Designer Association, Jalandhar. The complainants alleged that Sukhdev Vashisht, Assistant Town Planner (ATP) of the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, often demands illegal gratification from them. They further claimed that whenever he visits his area of jurisdiction, he threatens people with sealing and demolition of their buildings. They also alleged that he keeps many files pending with him, even though other wings of the Municipal Corporation have already cleared them.
The spokesperson further added that after examination of this complaint, the VB Jalandhar Range has registered a FIR no. 23, dated 14/05/2025 under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the said Sukhdev Vashisht, ATP, MC Jalandhar on the complaint of Er. Sunil Katyal, President, Engineers and Building Designer Association, Jalandhar, Punjab. The VB had arrested above mentioned accused Sukhdev Vashisth on 14/05/2025 itself and proceeded with its investigation. “The investigation revealed that accused Sukhdev Vashisth held the substantive rank of Senior Draftsman in Pathankot but also managed the additional charge of ATP Jalandhar MC. He remained continuously posted in Jalandhar, with only brief interruptions, from April 2022 to the present.”
Corruption Links with MLA Raman Arora Exposed”
Authorities recovered hundreds of official notices for unauthorized construction and related matters from the personal possession and office records of the arrested ATP Sukhdev Vashisth during searches at his office and residence. They also found several incriminating documents and pieces of material evidence. Some of the notices had not even been entered in the dispatch register. Officials also recovered other documents that had remained pending without action for unusually long periods, without any justification.
The spokesperson added that further investigation revealed a unique modus operandi. The arrested official collaborated with a local politician to extort money from the city’s people. They also indulged in corruption. The arrested ATP, at the behest and in consultation with MLA Raman Arora, would identify constructed or under-construction buildings.
“Illegal Nexus Between ATP and Arora Exposed in Property Violation Notices;
These included both commercial and residential properties. He would then serve them notices for alleged violations. When the building owners, or their representatives, would approach the concerned official, he would direct them to the said MLA. The said MLA would then settle the matter by taking illegal gratification. Upon receiving an affirmative message from the said MLA, the accused ATP would consign the files.Officials did not initiate any action afterward. Authorities have recovered close to 75-80 such notices related to the nexus. They followed the same modus operandi while clearing other files as well.
Technical teams of the Bureau and the Local Bodies Department are conducting detailed physical and documentary verification of each notice. Many shortcomings have come to light, he said.
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