Punjab government suspends Vigilance Chief, SSP and AIG over driving licence scam

Chandigarh: In a significant move under its anti-corruption drive, the Punjab government has suspended Vigilance Bureau Chief Director Surinder Pal Singh Parmar. Alongside him, SSP Vigilance Swaranpreet Singh and AIG Harpreet Singh have also been suspended.

This marks the first time a vigilance chief has faced such action in the state. Officials said the decision reflects the government’s firm stance on tackling corruption.

Parmar, a 1997-batch IPS officer, had assumed charge as vigilance chief on March 26. The action against him comes nearly a month later, after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was informed about the alleged lapses in the handling of the driving licence scam. Mann immediately ordered action, sources said.

According to an official spokesperson, the suspension is linked to attempts to stall proceedings in the licence scam. On April 7, vigilance teams had raided Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices and driving test centres across Punjab, resulting in the registration of 16 police cases and seizure of Rs 40,900.

Sources said Parmar failed to act decisively during the investigation, allowing several accused to evade arrest. The suspension of top vigilance officials, observers say, is intended to send a strong message about accountability and the seriousness of the government’s anti-corruption campaign.