Punjab vigilance arrests AAP MLA; CM Mann says part of battle against ‘corrupt system’

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a video message, said that the AAP government has zero tolerance towards corruption and strict action will be taken even if a party person or anyone is found involved.

An official statement from Chief Minister’s office read, “Mann government has taken a big action by raiding its own MLA over corruption allegations.

Complaints against MLA Raman Arora had been received, alleging that he used to send fake notices to residents through the officers of Municipal Corporation to threaten them, and then extort money in exchange for settling those notices”.

Earlier, the Jalandhar Range Office of the Vigilance Bureau conducted a raid at Arora’s residence Jalandhar and arrested him in the evening after questioning. They also seized three bags of documents from his residence.

In an official statement, the Vigilance Bureau said that a joint complaint signed by three office bearers of the Engineers and Building Designer Association, Jalandhar, was received by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on May 14 in which it was alleged that Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Sukhdev Vashisht often demands illegal gratification from them.

It was alleged that whenever he goes out in his area of jurisdiction, he threatens people that their buildings would be sealed and demolished, said the Vigilance Bureau spokesperson.

It was further alleged that he has many files pending with him even though the same have been cleared by other wings of the Municipal Corporation.

The spokesperson added that after examination of this complaint, the Vigilance Bureau Jalandhar Range registered an FIR on May 14 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vashisht on the complaint of Sunil Katyal, President, Engineers and Building Designer Association, Jalandhar.

Subsequently, the Vigilance Bureau arrested Vashisth and proceeded with its investigation.

“It was revealed during investigation that accused Sukhdev Vashisth was posted in Pathankot in the substantive rank of Senior Draftsman but held the additional charge of ATP Jalandhar MC also. The accused had continuously been posted in Jalandhar with small breaks in-between from April 2022 till now,” the spokesperson.

“During the search of the office premises and residence of the arrested ATP Sukhdev Vashisth, among other incriminating documents and material evidence, hundreds of official notices for unauthorised construction and related matters were recovered from his personal possession and office records,” he added.

Some of these notices were not found to be even entered in the dispatch register. Other documents pending without action for very long periods of time without any reason were also recovered.

The spokesperson said further investigation revealed that a unique modus operandi was being followed by the arrested official in connivance with a local politician “for extorting money from people of the (Jalandhar) city and indulging in corruption”.

“The arrested ATP at the behest and in consultation with MLA Raman Arora would identify constructed or under-construction buildings, both commercial as well as residential and serve them notices for alleged violations,” the spokesperson said.

“When the building owners or their representatives would approach the concerned official, he would direct them to the said MLA. The said MLA would then settle the matter by taking illegal gratification,” he added.

The spokesperson said that “upon receiving an affirmative message from the MLA, the files would be consigned by the accused ATP and no action initiated”.

“Nearly 75-80 such notices related to the said nexus have been recovered. The same modus operandi would be followed in clearing other files too,” he added.

The spokesperson further said a detailed physical and documentary verification of each notice and other documents are underway through technical teams of the Vigilance Bureau and the Local Bodies Department, and many shortcomings have come to light.

The investigation into Arora’s activities had gained attention after the Punjab government withdrew his security detail about 10 days ago. Arora, who had previously been provided with an unusually large security detail — reportedly 14 gunmen — had his security completely removed without any clear explanation from the government. Some Opposition leaders even celebrated the move, distributing sweets, suggesting that this may have been linked to ongoing complaints against the MLA.

Sources indicate that Mann had received multiple complaints against Arora. “The complaints reportedly highlighted the MLA’s influence in the local administration,” a senior AAP leader said.

Arora, however, had denied any involvement in such activities and had distanced himself from Vashishth.
Arora’s proximity to BJP leaders has been a point of contention within the ruling party, especially as some party members have voiced concerns about his loyalty.

Mann, meanwhile, in his video message said the the corrupt would not be spared, whether they were from his party or not. “’This is not a battle against an individual but against the corrupt system,” Mann said. “We will cleanse our system because ours is a zero-tolerance policy against corruption … I assure all businessmen and traders not to fear. If anyone is threatening or extorting money from them, they should file a complaint with us. When you compel someone to pay money, you don’t know their situation or where they arranged such a bribe. I want to make it clear that no one will be spared.”