Punjab Vigilance Bureau busts nexus between revenue officials and agents in property registry scam

In a significant action against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested a Registry Clerk and a deed writer from Bhikiwind in district Tarn Taran for wrongly transferring agricultural land to the complainant’s relatives after accepting a bribe.

Registry Clerk Sawinder Singh and deed writer Malkeet Singh accepted a bribe of Rs 37,000. A spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau revealed that the arrests were made based on a complaint filed by Gurbhej Singh, a resident of village Bhikiwind, district Tarn Taran.

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The complainant alleged that during the division of his ancestral land, 2 kanals and 2 Marlas of agricultural land were wrongly transferred to his relatives. Despite completing all legal formalities and paying the requisite government fees in April 2025, his land registry could not be processed.

In an attempt to get the registry done, Gurbhej Singh approached deed writer Malkeet Singh, who not only failed to assist him but also got his registry appointment for April 24, 2025, cancelled through the Tehsildar of Bhikiwind.

Upon inquiry, Gurbhej Singh discovered that Registry Clerk Sawinder Singh was demanding a bribe of Rs 32,000 to process the registry.

Unwilling to pay a bribe for rightful work, Gurbhej Singh reported the matter to DSP, VB Unit, Tarn Taran. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting Rs 37,000 in the presence of a government witness.

An FIR under Sections 7 and 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended), has been registered at the Police Station, Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar. Further investigation is underway.