In Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, leading to changes in the investigation procedures of bribery cases. Police officers are no longer authorized to investigate corruption cases involving their department’s employees. Instead, the State Vigilance will be responsible for scrutinizing State Vigilance cases. This rule applies to other departments as well.
The government’s decision to hand over corruption investigations to the State Vigilance was announced earlier, with a letter already issued by senior police officers. This decision has caused a ripple effect not only in the police department but also in other sectors. Corrupt officials are now feeling the fear of being scrutinized by the vigilance department.
Why did the government make this decision?
It is often observed that Punjab police officers, out of compassion for their subordinates, would frequently provide clean chits during investigations. As a result, the cases would weaken in court, and justice was compromised. However, this will no longer be the case as the government is now directly sending corruption cases to the vigilance department for investigation.
It is being reported that the Director of State Vigilance, considering the seriousness of the cases, can assign any officer from any city to handle the investigation. Additionally, it should be noted that FIRs related to bribery cases will not be directly registered at police stations. Instead, the approval and guidance of district-level or higher-ranking officials will be necessary. Only when officers deem the case appropriate, an FIR against the accused for bribery will be registered.
It is pertinent to mention here that sources in the known developments informed True Scoop News that there are approximately 100 politicians, 2 dozen bureaucrats, and many police officials under the scanner. Therefore, it is is expected that in the coming days the Vigilance Bureau might tightens screws over the tainted officers and leaders in graft cases or disproportionate asset cases.