Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Fatehgarh Sahib’s District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, along with a private individual Hanspal for allegedly embezzling grants and funds amounting to Rs 40 lakhs (40,85,175), which were allocated to the Amloh block and various gram panchayats.

Vigilance’s official spokesperson said that an FIR, dated August 9, 2024, has been lodged under Sections 409 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 13 (1) read with 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station in Patiala range. The case names five individuals, including the then BDPO of Amloh, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, who is accused of misappropriating government funds by illegally channeling them to private firms and an individual.

Spokesperson further elaborated that the funds, intended for the development of the Amloh block and the gram panchayats, were wrongfully diverted to private entities. This gross misuse of public money, intended for community development, has raised concerns about the integrity and transparency within the system.

Bureau, acting swiftly on the evidence, arrested Randhawa and Hanspal. Both individuals are set to be presented before a competent court on Monday. The investigation into the case is ongoing, with the Vigilance Bureau meticulously examining all the transactions and identifying other potential accomplices involved in this embezzlement.

The arrest of a high-ranking official like the DDPO is a clear message from the Punjab government that corruption will not be tolerated, and those who misuse public funds will be held accountable, said the spokesperson.