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This is an archive article published on February 17, 2025
Punjab govt suspends Muktsar DC over ‘corruption’ complaints; orders vigilance probe
The decisive action reflects the unwavering commitment of the Punjab government to ensure full transparency, accountability and integrity in public service delivery, said an officuial spokesperson.
The development comes days after the state government issued directions to the DCs, sub divisional magistrates (SDMs), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and station house officers (SHOs) to check corruption in their respective areas else face action.
The Punjab government Monday suspended Sri Muktsar Sahib’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Tripathi, a 2016-batch IAS officer, and ordered a vigilance inquiry following “serious complaints of corruption,” against him, an official spokesperson said. Abhijit Kaplish, a 2015-batch officer, has been appointed as the new DC.
The Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government had received serious complaints of corruption against Tripathi, after which a thorough enquiry was conducted against the IAS officer, the spokesperson said.
“Based on the preliminary enquiry, the state government has suspended Deputy Commissioner, Sri Muktsar Sahib, with immediate effect. He has been removed from his post and a vigilance enquiry has been marked against him,” the spokesperson added.
“This decisive action reflects the unwavering commitment of the Punjab government to ensure full transparency, accountability and integrity in public service delivery. As corrupt practices undermine public trust, weaken institutions and hinder state’s growth, hence top priority is being accorded to check this menace,” he added.
The development comes days after the state government issued directions to the DCs, sub divisional magistrates (SDMs), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and station house officers (SHOs) to check corruption in their respective areas else face action.
The spokesperson said in consonance with the “zero tolerance towards corruption policy”, the state government had recently issued detailed instructions to all the officers. As per the instructions, the Punjab government had directed that officers function in a responsive and accountable manner, feedback about each deputy commissioner, SSP, SDM, Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, SP, DSP, SHO and other field officers/officials will be taken not only from the general public but also from the elected representatives like the MPs and MLAs. It was further directed that the said feedback will automatically lead to rewards and punishments for the officers.
The AAP government’s action against an IAS officer assumes significance as the rival political leaders have been targeting the Mann dispensation over many issues, including alleged corruption in the state.
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