Chandigarh: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and attempting to pressure government officials by issuing illegal and threatening instructions.
An FIR (No. 16) was registered at Police Station A-Division on February 3, 2026, under Sections 204, 217, 221 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police said.
Complaint by senior medical officer
The case came to light after a senior medical officer posted at Civil Hospital, Amritsar, submitted a written complaint to the police. The officer stated that at around 10.34 am on February 3, he received a phone call from a person who introduced himself as Punjab cabinet minister Dr Balbir Singh.
The caller allegedly accused the hospital administration of mismanagement and spoke in a threatening manner. He tried to exert illegal pressure by directing the officer to remove certain employees from their jobs, retain specific individuals in key positions and interfere in official functioning. The complainant said the caller used abusive language and repeatedly claimed to be backed by the minister’s office and the government machinery.
Accused changes identity
When the medical officer sought confirmation of his identity, the caller reportedly changed his version and claimed he was Gurjeet Singh, an employee of the minister’s office. The officer alleged that repeated calls and misuse of false authority caused him mental harassment.
The matter was reported to the Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, who in turn contacted the health minister. Dr Balbir Singh categorically denied making any such calls or issuing any instructions and directed that immediate legal action be taken.
Following the complaint, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police launched an investigation, identified the accused and arrested him. Police said further questioning is underway to ascertain whether the accused targeted other officials in a similar manner.
