Jalandhar, February 07 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): During the anti-corruption campaign conducted by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, Charanjit Singh, an Assistant at the Complaint Management Branch (CHB) of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) office in Pind Bading, Jalandhar Cantonment, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of 2,000 rupees.
A spokesperson from the Vigilance Bureau stated that the accused was arrested based on a complaint filed by Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Sainik Vihar, Pind Dhillwan, Jalandhar district. The complainant reported that he had approached the Vigilance Bureau and alleged that, in exchange for installing a new electricity meter at his relative’s house in Jalandhar’s Roz Colony Bading, the concerned Junior Engineer (JE) Surjit Singh demanded a bribe of 5,000 rupees for himself and 500 rupees for Charanjit Singh.
The complainant further explained that Charanjit Singh, while installing the meter at the house on 31-01-2025, had taken 3,500 rupees from him and asked for the remaining amount to be paid later. Now, the accused is demanding the outstanding 2,000 rupees from the victim and threatening to remove the meter if the payment is not made.
The spokesperson stated that after conducting a preliminary investigation into the victim’s complaint, the Vigilance Bureau team from the Jalandhar Range set up a trap. During this operation, Charanjit Singh, the CHB Assistant, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of 2,000 rupees from the complainant in the presence of two government witnesses.
A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau’s Jalandhar Range police station. The spokesperson mentioned that during the further investigation of the case, the role of the concerned Junior Engineer (JE) will also be examined.
Summary: A PCPSCL employee was arrested for demanding a bribe to install a meter at a residence, highlighting ongoing issues with corruption in public services.