Homeopathic doctor held for taking Rs 3.5 lakh bribe

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a homeopathic doctor for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3.5 lakh from Ashok Kumar, a resident of Patra in Patiala district. Dr Arvind Kumar was arrested red-handed while taking bribe from the complainant in Tarn Taran.

According to the VB, the victim in his complaint alleged that Dr Arvind took bribe on the behalf of Dr Sumit Singh who was currently posted as Senior Medical Officer at Manawala. The accused had demanded Rs 5 lakh bribe, but the matter was settled at Rs 3.5 lakh.

A VB spokesman stated here today that the matter pertains to a case registered under the PNDT Act and the NDPS Act against Ashok Kumar and several others at the Patra police station. Dr Sumit Singh was the main witness in the case, he said.

Following a preliminary probe in the complaint filed by Ashok Kumar, the VB arrested Dr Arvind Kumar from the office of Sarhadi Lok Sewa Samitee, a national-level organisation working for the welfare of border residents, dowry victims and for women empowerment. The accused was arrested in the presence of two government witnesses, while he was taking bribe amount from the complainant.

During probe, the victim handed a voice recording which proved the allegations of demanding bribe against the accused. A case was registered against Dr Arvind at the Mohali VB police station. The VB spokesperson said the role of Dr Sumit Singh and others involved in the case was also being verified.