Vigilance team nabs Mohali ASI while accepting hefty bribe of ₹1.55 lakh

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) posted at Kharar police station in Mohali for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1.55 lakh. The officer, identified as Om Prakash, was earlier posted at the Sohana police station. According to officials, he had demanded money from a man in exchange for cancelling a police case registered against him and his wife.

The case came to light when Gurjit Singh, the complainant, reached out to the state’s anti-corruption helpline. He informed authorities that the ASI had initially demanded ₹2.5 lakh but later agreed to settle the matter for ₹1.55 lakh. Following the complaint, the vigilance team carried out verification and caught the ASI red-handed while accepting the bribe.

After completing the necessary checks, the Vigilance Bureau registered a case against the officer under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station in Mohali. He was taken into custody and is now facing legal action.

Complaint leads to swift action

According to officials aware of the case, the incident started when Om Prakash allegedly approached Gurjit Singh, whose family was facing a police case. To “cancel” or remove the case, the ASI demanded a large bribe of ₹2.5 lakh. Feeling harassed and pressured, Gurjit Singh decided not to give in silently. Instead, he reported the matter on the Punjab chief minister’s anti-corruption action line.

This complaint prompted the Vigilance Bureau to verify the details. Their investigation confirmed the demand for money. After gathering evidence, the bureau set up a trap and caught the ASI while accepting ₹1.55 lakh from Gurjit Singh. The amount was reportedly given as part of the deal that the ASI had “settled” after reducing his initial demand.

Officials said that this arrest sends out a clear message that corruption within the police force will not be tolerated. The Prevention of Corruption Act provides strict punishments for public officials caught demanding or accepting illegal money. The vigilance team stressed that the government’s anti-corruption helpline is proving to be an effective tool for citizens to raise their voices against corrupt practices.

Larger issue of corruption in policing

The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing challenges of corruption in the police system. For ordinary citizens, facing a false or exaggerated case can cause fear and financial stress. When police officials misuse their power to demand money, it not only damages trust in law enforcement but also discourages people from approaching the police for help.

Anti-corruption measures like helplines, vigilance raids, and strict laws are designed to protect citizens. By acting on such complaints, the government aims to create accountability among police officers and other officials. People are being encouraged to report bribes and unethical behavior without fear.

For the people of Mohali, the arrest of the ASI is a reminder that no official is above the law. It also strengthens the faith that action will be taken when complaints are raised. The case will now proceed in court under the Prevention of Corruption Act, where evidence collected during the vigilance operation will be presented.

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While the legal process will take its course, the arrest is already being seen as a success story in the fight against corruption. Gurjit Singh’s decision to speak up instead of paying quietly has been praised, as it shows how public participation is vital in tackling dishonest practices.

The Punjab government has been pushing to improve transparency in governance and policing. Officials have repeated that similar actions will continue to be taken whenever complaints are received. For many citizens, this provides hope that the misuse of power will face real consequences.

In conclusion, the arrest of ASI Om Prakash in Mohali is more than just one case of bribery. It reflects both the ongoing problem of corruption and the steps being taken to combat it. The vigilance action demonstrates that with citizen participation, strong laws, and timely intervention, dishonest practices can be challenged. For now, the case serves as a warning to public officials that corruption can no longer go unchecked.