Amritsar Improvement Trust case: ‘Whistleblower’ says disgusted by acquittals, vows to go for appeal

A whistle-blower in alleged Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) scam, Bir Devinder Singh, said Friday he was “disgusted” at the Mohali court accepting Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s closure report and giving a clean chit to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who was an accused in the case.

On March 31, 2016 the whistleblower had alleged that Amarinder wanted him to sign an affidavit to withdraw the case from the court. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

A whistle-blower in alleged Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) scam, Bir Devinder Singh, said Friday he was “disgusted” at the Mohali court accepting Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s closure report and giving a clean chit to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who was an accused in the case. Talking to The Indian Express, Singh said, “It is not Amarinder’s victory but Punjab’s loss.The prosecution and investigating agency (Vigilance Bureau) were shamelessly mixed up with the accused. I am disappointed that corrupt and mighty politicians do not get caught in this country. It is a frugal system of jurisprudence. The court could have taken a judicious view of this complicity. But that did not happen,” he said.

Stating that he was prepared for the day, Singh said he knew this was coming, as his application was rejected by the court. But, he said, he is determined to fight the case to its logical conclusion, “This was the first step of the ladder where I failed. I will not keep quiet. I have discussed the case with my legal team and it is appealable. We will file an appeal to move the High Court. It is a conspicuously bizarre case, where the state prosecution agency and the prime investigation agency (VB) have betrayed the interests of the state. They ensured the state loses. Therefore, both the agencies should be prosecuted for perjury. We will take up the case in HC praying for this also. How come that the VB named him an accused and presented a challan, and then submitted a closure report subsequently? It is also a case of complicity between the two top political families of the state (Badals and Amarinder Singh).” He said he had put his bright political career at stake for unearthing the scam and taking on a mighty politician. “I was fighting with a “kath ki talwar” (wooden sword) against enormous resources with meagre resources at my disposal.The entire government machinery was being used in the case.”

“The fight has not ended. I am just satisfied that I did not compromise with the corrupt and stood my ground even at the cost of my career. I was denied party tickets due to my constant stand against corruption.” Singh was a Congress leader before he was expelled by Amarinder in April 2016. On March 31, 2016 he had alleged that Amarinder wanted him to sign an affidavit to withdraw the case from the court. The next day, Amarinder suspended him from Congress and subsequently sacked him. Amarinder, who was PPCC chief, then counter-alleged that Singh was seeking a ticket from Ghanaur, and when it was denied to him, started levelling all kinds of allegations.

Singh had stated he had refused to sign the affidavit stating it would have amounted to perjury and he, who had been honoured as the best parliamentarian and was a deputy speaker, could not undermine the dignity of the House.” The case came to light when Bir Devinder Singh, who was a Congress MLA then, had raised a question in the 12th Vidhan Sabha from 2002 to 2007, on February 22, 2006, alleging a scam of Rs 360 crore to help colonisers by exempting the acquistion of land out of a 188-acre scheme. The subcommittee of the Vidhan Sabha, constituted after his question, had handed the case to the VB. The VB, had in September 2008, during SAD-BJP regime, registered a case under sections 420 (cheating), 467/468 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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