In a significant development, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varinder Singh Brar of Fazilka has been suspended. SSP Fazilka Varinder Singh Brar is accused of failing to act against four police personnel whom the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested for accepting a bribe.
SSP Fazilka Varinder Singh Brar's suspension comes a day after officers from the Cyber Crime Police Station in Fazilka, including the Station House Officer (SHO), were caught red-handed accepting Rs 1 lakh as a bribe in a case involving a confiscated phone belonging to a minor. The action was taken under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, signaling the state government’s intensified efforts to combat corruption at all levels.
What is the case?
As per the information received, on the orders of the Chief Minister, the Vigilance Bureau arrested the SHO of Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka, along with three other police personnel, for taking a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 in a case involving a minor's confiscated phone.
AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, addressing the media on Tuesday evening, reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, stating, "No matter the level of the official, be it a Minister, MLA, IAS/PCS officer or any government employee, anyone found indulging in corruption will face strict legal action. Corruption has no place in Punjab, and our government is committed to ensuring an honest and transparent administration."
Fazilka SSP Suspension Case in Detail
The case came to light when Dharminder Singh, father of 17-year-old Dilraj Singh, approached the Punjab Chief Minister with evidence of bribe demands by the Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka. The station had confiscated the minor's phone following a Cyber Tipline complaint. Despite repeated attempts by the family to resolve the issue, they were forced to pay a bribe to settle the matter.
Cheema further commended the Vigilance Bureau's efforts, adding, “This case highlights the firm resolve of the Punjab government to root out corruption. The prompt action in this matter demonstrates that the government is on the side of the common citizen, ensuring justice and accountability at every level.”
The arrested officials include the SHO, a reader, and two constables. They are now in custody and face legal proceedings. The Punjab government assures that such actions will continue to ensure Punjab becomes a corruption-free state.