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Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Chandigarh: The Punjab vigilance bureau made a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the alleged multi-crore-rupee scam in the distribution of compensation for land acquisition for the Jalandhar-Chintpurni road. On Saturday, eight more individuals were apprehended by the vigilance bureau, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 21.
The investigation, led by a special investigation team (SIT), has revealed shocking details of corruption and fraudulent activities. Many records were found missing from the office of the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate), Hoshiarpur, and the tehsildar, Hoshiarpur. This raised suspicions and prompted a closer examination of the case.
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During the probe, it was discovered that the then SDM, Anand Sagar Sharma, had manipulated the draft 3-A schedule plan prepared by the renowned Louis Berger company. He had illegally released compensation amounting to Rs 64 crore to his known associates, who then purchased land in the new road alignment in collusion with the SDM.
The vigilance bureau had already added Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the First Information Report (FIR) and had nominated 42 new accused. Out of these, eight individuals were arrested on Saturday. The arrested accused will be produced in court on Sunday, and the vigilance bureau will seek police remand for further questioning.
The spokesperson for the vigilance bureau stated that a total of 13 accused, including the then SDM-cum-collector Anand Sharma, land acquisition officer Baljinder Singh, tehsildar Manjit Singh, and naib tehsildar Daljit Singh, have already been arrested or have joined the investigation in the case.
The case was registered under various sections of the IPC and Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the vigilance bureau police station, economic offenses wing, Ludhiana, on February 10, 2017.
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This recent development is a major breakthrough in the investigation, shedding light on the extent of corruption and misappropriation of funds in the land compensation distribution process. The Punjab vigilance bureau is committed to bringing all those involved to justice and ensuring that such fraudulent activities do not go unpunished.
In related news, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has also made another significant arrest in a separate case involving a scam in labour and transportation tenders in Nawanshahr grain markets. The accused, identified as Ajaypal, surrendered before the court and has been taken into custody. This case has exposed the involvement of several individuals, including former food and civil supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, in a fraud that caused substantial losses to the state exchequer. The investigation has revealed fake vehicle registration numbers, false reporting of food grain quantities, and the use of minor workers’ Aadhaar cards during the tender process.
In a move to strengthen vigilance and combat corruption, the Haryana government has appointed serving and retired officers as chief vigilance officers (CVO) in the Vigilance Department. These CVOs will play a crucial role in preventive vigilance functions, intelligence collection related to corruption, sensitizing stakeholders, and promoting awareness against corrupt practices. They will also conduct spot inquiries and investigations into corruption allegations. Establishing a whistle-blower mechanism and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for gathering information from the general public will be among their responsibilities.
On the global front, the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) and the Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA) organized a virtual vigil to pray for an end to violence at home and abroad. Participants from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and the UK, joined the vigil, which featured guided meditation, prayers, and moments of reflective silence. The event aimed to promote peace and freedom for hostages and child prisoners in Gaza, Ukraine, and other conflict zones. Additionally, the Armistice Day Program in Hyderabad included prayers from different faiths and multi-faith celebrations..
