VB seeks RTI records of ex-AAP leader accused in bribery case

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has sought records of RTI applications filed by former AAP district president and RTI activist Suresh Kumar Sharma from the Municipal Corporation, Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) and PUDA, along with their status.

Sharma was caught red-handed by the VB while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh. He is accused of acting as an intermediary for the Municipal Town Planning (MTP) Department by filing RTI applications against individuals to extort money and then withdrawing them in connivance with MC officials.

The VB is also probing properties owned by Sharma and his family members, including financial details and movable and immovable assets. SSP Vigilance Lakhbir Singh said records relating to his wife and son were also being scrutinised. Sharma is currently in three-day police remand.

According to the Vigilance Bureau, complainant Paramdeep Singh of Basant Avenue alleged that after demolishing an existing structure, he built a shop on Railway Link Road, Amritsar, for which he obtained approval for one floor from the MTP Department. When he later sought approval for an additional floor, his revised plan was rejected as Sharma had filed RTI applications against the building under different names. The MTP officials allegedly “advised” him to approach Sharma if he wanted clearance.

When contacted, Sharma allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 7 lakh to withdraw the complaint, later settling at Rs 4 lakh.

Officials said several others who were allegedly blackmailed by Sharma had also approached the VB. Their statements would be recorded during the ongoing probe.