The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has apprehended Sukhdev Vashisht, an Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar for demanding a bribe of Rs. 30,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the said accused has been arrested based on several complaints received from the stakeholders.

He further added that the complainants have alleged that the said accused had been deliberately delaying file approvals and extorting money from the applicants. They informed that despite 70 percent of building maps in the area have already been approved by the MC, but the aforementioned ATP Vashisht had refused to clear certain files unless bribes were paid. As per the complaint, the said ATP has demanded Rs. 30,000 to process the case. The complainants also accused him of using threats, including sealing buildings during inspections to intimidate applicants and even told that he is not afraid of his transfer.

He further added that after a preliminary examination of the complaint, the VB Jalandhar range has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the said MC official and arrested him. Further Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of corruption, he said.