The political landscape of Punjab was left in shock after the Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday raided Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora's house and even arrested him in a corruption case. Raman Arora's arrest showcases the Punjab Government's zero tolerance policy against corruption even if the individual belongs to the ruling party. Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, in his address, made it clear that his government will leave no corrupt individuals, even if he or she belong to his own party. Raman Arora is in Aam Aadmi Party.
What happened after Raman Arora's arrest?
According to sources, Arora was questioned at his residence for nearly six hours on Monday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, during which a search operation was also carried out. Investigators have stated that while some documents were seized, they are still in need of crucial records to establish a stronger case. Sources added that this is not merely a matter of one Assistant Town Planner (ATP); names of certain police officers previously posted in the region have also surfaced in connection with extortion activities. Vigilance is now expanding the probe to identify officials involved in the alleged nexus. However, no official complaint has been registered regarding certain police officers.
Sources informed True Scoop that Arora used his influence to keep one police officer in his constituency for nearly three years. While no formal complaint has been filed in this matter, sources suggest the issue could extend beyond the Municipal Corporation and potentially involve other departments as well.
Serious questions are also being raised about Arora's functioning as an MLA. Allegations have emerged that he, in collaboration with certain individuals, began constructing a large commercial market on a plot stretching from Football Chowk to near the Doordarshan office in Jalandhar. The land was allegedly acquired at a low price. Sources claim that three to four such buildings exist—either directly in his name or in the names of close relatives. Although Vigilance has not yet secured the documents for these properties, preliminary estimates suggest their combined worth is in crores of rupees.
Further revelations point to financial dealings involving a local 'halwai' from the Basti area and a bookie whose name had also come up in the Mahadev betting app investigation. Notably, MLA Arora had a confrontation with DCP Naresh Dogra in the bookie's office.
Vigilance Bureau expanding its investigation
Vigilance is expected to analyze his phone data as part of the probe. From Arora’s residence, authorities recovered Rs 6 lakh in cash and 1 kg of gold. Technical support teams have been brought in to assist the Vigilance team in analyzing digital evidence and financial transactions. The case is being personally monitored by the Director of Vigilance J Elanchezhian. Following the arrest of the ATP in the case, Arora got multiple days to cover up his trail.
What did the Vigilance Bureau ask MLA Arora during questioning?
Sources informed True Scoop that during questioning, Vigilance officials reportedly asked him where he invested the money and whether other individuals were involved. While his Personal Assistant (PA) has not yet been formally named, he has also been questioned extensively. Arora was questioned until 11:30 PM last night and again early this morning. Sources further indicate that Arora may have made foreign investments. Investigators are also considering a face-to-face confrontation between Arora and co-accused Sukhdev to uncover further links.
How MLA Raman Arora is linked to ATP Sukhdev Vashisht?
It was revealed during the investigation that the accused, Sukhdev Vashisth was posted in Pathankot in the substantive rank of Senior Draftsman, but held the additional charge of ATP Jalandhar Municipal Corporation also. The accused had continuously been posted in Jalandhar, with small breaks in-between, from April 2022 till now.
During the search of the office premises and the residence of the arrested ATP Sukhdev Vashisth, among other incriminating documents and material evidence, hundreds of official notices for unauthorised construction and related matters were recovered from his personal possession and office records. Some of these notices were not found to be even entered in the dispatch register.
Other documents, pending without action for very long periods of time without reason, were also recovered.
Further investigation revealed that a unique modus operandi was being followed by the arrested official in connivance with a local politician for extorting money from people of the city and indulging in corruption. The arrested ATP, at the behest and in consultation with MLA Jalandhar (Central), Raman Arora, would identify constructed or under-construction buildings, both commercial as well as residential, and 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 files would be consigned by the accused ATP, and no action would be initiated. Close to 75-80 such notices related to the said nexus have been recovered. The same modus operandi would be followed in clearing other files too.
Detailed physical and documentary verification of each notice and other documents are underway through technical teams of the Bureau and the Local Bodies Department, and many shortcomings have come to light.
The spokesperson further added that during the investigation, substantive evidence indicating the connivance and criminal nexus between the arrested ATP and MLA Jalandhar (Central), Raman Arora, came on record.