Premium

Punjab Vigilance SSP suspended over ‘misconduct’ flagged internally

The suspension allegedly stems from complaints linked to a Rs 55-crore tender for sewerage and street lighting projects in Amritsar's posh Ranjit Avenue area.

The arrest has been made in connection with an FIR registered on December 25, 2025, at Cyber Crime Police Station, Chandigarh. (File Photo)

The Punjab government has suspended a senior officer of the Vigilance Bureau over alleged grave misconduct and unauthorised interference in matters beyond his official domain, according to an order. The December 26 order, however, does not reveal the nature of misconduct by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lakhbir Singh, who was posted with the Amritsar unit of the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar.

“Lakhbir Singh, PPS…is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 4 (1) (a) of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 for his grave misconduct and dereliction of duty,” read the order read.

Another order, issued on Saturday, by the Home Affairs Department fixed his headquarters at the Director General of Police office in Chandigarh during the suspension period, entitling him only to subsistence allowance as per Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. An internal inquiry has also been constituted to probe the allegations in detail.

The suspension allegedly stems from complaints linked to a Rs 55-crore tender for sewerage and street lighting projects in Amritsar’s posh Ranjit Avenue area. Multiple sources within the Vigilance Bureau indicate irregularities, including misappropriation of funds and favoritism in awarding contracts to preferred parties, with a social media influencer’s role under scrutiny. A construction company first raised concerns, followed by a formal complaint from a senior IAS officer, alleging Lakhbir Singh influenced the contracts unfairly and recommended a specific party via phone calls and his reader’s intervention. Police sources confirm a case has been registered against the social media influencer involved.

Vigilance Bureau sources describe the action as disciplinary over interference, not direct bribery. “An internal complaint has been received regarding the concerned officer,” read a statement, adding disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, and the matter is being examined in depth in accordance with established procedures, it further said.

Last month, the state government suspended Amritsar Rural, Senior Superintendent of Police and IPS officer Maninder Singh for his alleged failure in taking strict action against gangsters.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Punjab