It seems like the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has sensed a political-media nexus in the ATP Sukhdev Vashisht Case. On Thursday, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB apprehended Sukhdev Vashisht, an Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, for demanding a bribe of Rs. 30,000. VB, in their official release, stated that the accused had been deliberately delaying file approvals and extorting money from the applicants.
They informed that despite 70 percent of building maps in the area having already been approved by the MC, the aforementioned ATP Vashisht had refused to clear certain files unless bribes were paid. As per the complaint, the said ATP has demanded Rs. 30,000 to process the case. The complainants also accused him of using threats, including sealing buildings during inspections to intimidate applicants, and even told that he is not afraid of his transfer.
VB senses deep rot and a political angle in the corruption case
ATP Sukhdev Vashisht, who held exclusive responsibility for approving all building plans and taking action against unauthorized constructions in Jalandhar Central and Jalandhar West, is now under the scanner of the Vigilance Bureau. These two high-density zones saw rampant unauthorized constructions allegedly passed under Vashisht’s watch.
A Vigilance Bureau officer informed True Scoop that no building plan in Jalandhar Central was approved without political clearance, and specifically, without financial gratification being routed to an Aam Aadmi Party leader.
VB in their initial investigation has further found that an alleged involvement of a group of local journalists who acted as unofficial enforcers. This group would reportedly take photos of illegal constructions and then use the images to blackmail property owners. In many cases, negative news coverage would follow, leading to official notices from the corporation, which would then be ‘resolved’ for a price.
Despite widespread violations, action was often taken only after 70% of the construction had been completed. Even with a change in mayoral leadership, insiders say, the system remained unchanged. "Everyone was fed up. Files wouldn’t move without interference or payments," said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Recently, AAP leader Deepak Bali posted on social media saying 'corruption-free Municipal Corporation'. Bali received major praise on social media.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Vigilance Bureau has not formally named any AAP leader in connection with the case. The Bureau is now examining every building map approved by Vashisht, every notice issued, and every suspicious delay or clearance.
Vigilance officials may also reach out to those who received notices or had their plans approved to determine how widespread the malpractice was and who else may have been complicit.
Sukhdev Vashisht's Delhi connection
Questions are also being raised about Vashisht’s past political connections. According to highly placed sources, he previously worked closely with a former BJP minister in Punjab and handled unofficial tasks in their office. He is said to have even withdrawn funds on behalf of the office during that period.
His proximity to senior political figures in Delhi, particularly those affiliated with the central government, came to light when concerns were raised about financial irregularities, leading to his abrupt exit from those circles.
There are unconfirmed reports that Vashisht was being used as a conduit to facilitate the entry of an AAP leader, currently facing corruption allegations, into the BJP. This alleged crossover was reportedly being orchestrated through high-level political channels.