“Vigilance Bureau Files Cases Against Sarpanchs and Panchayat Secretaries for Embezzlement”

“Vigilance Bureau Files Cases Against Sarpanchs and Panchayat Secretaries for Embezzlement”

Two Sarpanchs, one Panchayat Secretary arrested

Chandigarh, January 4 – In a significant move as part of its anti-corruption campaign across the state, the Punjab VB has taken decisive action by registering cases against two sarpanches and two panchayat secretaries. The charges levied against them pertain to the embezzlement of substantial amounts, running into lakhs of rupees, earmarked for village development projects.

This stern action by the Vigilance Bureau underscores the commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in the administration of funds allocated for rural development. The cases highlight instances where public officials entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing village development works allegedly engaged in financial misappropriation, compromising the progress and welfare of the communities they were meant to serve.

The move also signals the state’s determination to enforce transparency and uphold ethical standards in governance, especially in matters related to grassroots development. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s proactive stance in addressing corruption within the local governance structure aligns with the broader goal of fostering clean and efficient administration for the benefit of the citizens.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this development serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain integrity in public service and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding public resources for the genuine progress of rural areas in Punjab.

Giving this information, a spokesperson of VB said during the investigation it has came to light that Sarabjit Singh, former sarpanch, of village Alal, district Sangrur and Naresh Kumar Singla, panchayat secretary (retd), have committed misappropriation of an amount of Rs. 2,00,927 in panchayat funds and other construction related material. Both the accused have been arrested under FIR number 01 dated

01-04-2024 under sections 409 and 120-B of the IPC and 13(1)-A and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act registered in the police station of VB Patiala range.

01-04-2024 under sections 409 and 120-B of the IPC and 13(1)-A and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act registered in the police station of Vigilance Bureau, Patiala range.

In a separate case, during investigation, Jatinder Singh, Sarpanch of Village Chandu, District Sangrur and Gurmeet Singh, panchayat secretary have been found guilty of embezzlement of about Rs 74 lakh in the development works conducted in the said village from January 2019 to March 31, 2022. In this regard a FIR number 43, dated 13-12-2023, has been registered against both the accused under section 409 and 120-B of the IPC and 13(1)-A and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act in the Patiala range police station of the VB. In this case Sarpanch Jatinder Singh has been arrested and further investigation into the case was under progress.