Chandigarh August 31, 2025 –
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Lakhbir Singh, then Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Jandiala Guru, in Amritsar district, presently posted at block Ghall Khurd in district Ferozepur and Manjinder Singh, ex-Sarpanch, gram panchayat Gehri Mandi, in district Amritsar for embezzlement of Panchayat funds to the tune of Rs. 24,69,949.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a resident of village Gehri Mandi. Afterwards a technical team of VB has conducted an investigation regarding misappropriation in development funds received by the said gram panchayat from year 2013 to 2017.
He added that during the probe it has came to light that, during the above said check period, this gram panchayat had received total funds amounting to Rs. 49,21,658 and has spent only Rs. 17,37,900 which proved that the Manjinder Singh Sarpanch, in connivance and conspiracy with the then gram panchayat secretary Karanjeet Singh and above said Lakhbir Singh B.D.P.O usurped the funds amounting to Rs. 24,69,949.
He further informed that based on the investigation a case under section 13(1) (a), 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act and 201, 409, 420, 120-B of IPC has been registered at VB police station Amritsar range against the aforementioned accused and further investigation is under progress, he added.
