Punjab Vigilance Bureau Nabs ASI for Alleged Bribery in Post-Wedding Brawl Case
In a significant crackdown on police corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has apprehended an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) stationed at the Balongi police station in Mohali. The officer stands accused of soliciting a substantial bribe amounting to Rs 1.25 lakh, allegedly to protect an individual from legal proceedings related to a violent altercation that occurred following a wedding reception.
Details of the Alleged Corruption Scheme
According to official statements released by the Vigilance Bureau, the case centers around ASI Bir Chand. The investigation was initiated based on a formal complaint submitted through the Anti-Corruption Action Line, a dedicated channel for reporting graft. The complainant, identified as Satish, resides in Maloa Colony, Chandigarh.
The incident traces back to November 27, 2025, when Satish's daughter, Anjali, married Arsh, a resident of Bada Majra in Mohali. After the wedding, the groom's family hosted a reception celebration. Trouble erupted when a physical confrontation broke out among some youths attending the event, resulting in one young man sustaining serious injuries.
Vigilance Bureau officials detailed that, as per the complaint, ASI Bir Chand allegedly threatened to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Arsh in connection with the brawl. The officer purportedly demanded an initial payment of Rs 50,000 to avoid taking legal action against him.
Escalation of Demands and Recorded Evidence
The complainant asserted that, under duress, the family reluctantly paid Rs 30,000 to the accused ASI. However, the demands did not cease. The officer is said to have continued his intimidation through persistent phone calls and WhatsApp messages, escalating his bribe request to over Rs 1 lakh.
On December 22, 2025, the ASI allegedly informed the family that the case had been escalated under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to attempted murder. He then demanded an additional Rs 1 lakh to settle the matter, along with further illegal gratification.
In a strategic move, the complainant meticulously recorded these incriminating conversations. The audio evidence was subsequently uploaded to the Vigilance Bureau's anti-corruption helpline, providing crucial digital proof of the alleged extortion.
Investigation and Legal Action
Following a thorough verification and scrutiny process of the submitted recordings, the Vigilance Bureau preliminarily found the allegations to be credible. Based on this evidence, a formal case was registered against ASI Bir Chand on January 29, 2026.
The case has been filed under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at the Vigilance Bureau police station. The investigation has been entrusted to Head Constable (LR) Manjeet Singh, who will lead the probe.
Officials confirmed that the accused ASI has been arrested. Furthermore, they indicated that the investigation will also examine the potential roles of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Balongi police station and other police personnel who might be connected to the case.
This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to combat corruption within the state's law enforcement agencies, utilizing technology and dedicated helplines to empower citizens to report malfeasance.
