Chandigarh, May 9 — To completely eliminate corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested 34 individuals — including 23 public officials and 11 private persons — in 22 separate bribery cases across the state during April.
According to officials, all accused were caught red-handed during trap operations while accepting bribes.
A spokesperson for the Vigilance Bureau said the campaign reflects the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government’s zero-tolerance approach under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
“This campaign is not only about taking action but about setting a strong deterrent against corrupt practices,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to the arrests, the Bureau registered 20 criminal cases during the same period, naming 34 accused — among them 18 government employees.
Twelve charge sheets were filed in court, and one new vigilance enquiry was opened to investigate allegations in a specific case.
The Bureau also secured convictions in three bribery cases it contested in court.
“The courts awarded imprisonment ranging from four to five years, with fines between Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000,” the spokesperson said, adding that legal efforts are being vigorously pursued to ensure accountability.
Calling on citizens to assist in combating corruption, the Bureau urged people to report any incidents of bribery through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line via WhatsApp at 95012-00200.
“This initiative empowers the public to become active stakeholders in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance,” the spokesperson said.
The VB reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive operations to cleanse public systems and restore trust in government institutions.
