The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard, and Darshan Singh Mate, a daily-wage worker, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Both accused were posted at the Forest Range Office, Nakodar, district Jalandhar.
The spokesperson said that the complainant works as a labourer. When his domestic gas cylinder ran out, he was collecting small pieces of wood from trees along the Mehatpur–Jagraon road for household use.
At that time, both accused – Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard, and Darshan Singh Mate, a daily-wage worker—arrived at the spot, informed the complainant that a case of theft of government wood would be registered against him, and took his motorcycle into their custody.
He added that the complainant later contacted Darshan Singh Mate, who told him that Kuldeep Singh, Forest Guard, was demanding Rs 20,000 for the release of the motorcycle.
Despite repeated requests by the complainant, Darshan Singh Mate remained adamant about the bribe amount demanded on behalf of the Forest Guard. The complainant recorded the conversation regarding the demand for illegal gratification of Rs 20,000.
After a preliminary inquiry into the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau team laid a trap, during which both accused were arrested red-handed while accepting the bribe amount of Rs 20,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Jalandhar, and further investigation in the matter is underway.