The Vigilance Bureau has successfully thwarted an attempt to register a plot at Cycle Market in Ludhiana by apprehending a facilitator while he was accepting Rs 5,000 as part payment of a Rs 25,000 bribe. The bribe was intended to facilitate an illegal transaction.
Suspect Identified
The suspect has been identified as Sarbjit Singh Bittu, a resident of New Deep Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana. He claimed to be an employee of the Raikot subdivisional office.
Complainant's Account
The complainant, Amrinder Singh, of New Baba Deep Singh Nagar, informed Vigilance officials led by DSP Shiv Chand of Range 2, Vigilance Bureau, that his father Lachhman Singh had entered into an agreement with Kuldeep Kumar of Sahnewal in 2010 to purchase a plot. Possession of the plot was taken in 2020.
Later, it came to light that a relative of the complainant had obtained a fake registration in the name of Kulwant Singh. Following several meetings, Sarbjit assured the complainant that he could get the registration done through an official, who would charge Rs 3.50 lakh, in addition to Sarbjit's own share of Rs 25,000.
Trap Laid
On Wednesday, Vigilance Bureau sleuths laid a trap and caught Sarbjit red-handed while he was accepting Rs 5,000 as part of the bribe amount. The operation was carried out under the supervision of DSP Shiv Chand.
The Vigilance Bureau has registered a case against the accused and further investigations are underway to identify any other individuals involved in the illegal transaction.
