Vigilance Bureau books former AAP women wing Bathinda district chief for alleged bribe-for-job demand
Role of a state-level chairman also under scrutiny
The Vigilance Bureau in Bathinda has booked Satveer Kaur, former district president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) women wing in Bathinda and the incumbent sarpanch of Kaljharani village, for allegedly demanding a monthly bribe from a contractual driver in exchange for securing and retaining his job. The alleged role of Punjab State Forest Development Corporation (PSFDC) Chairman Rakesh Puri, who is also from Bathinda, is under scrutiny.
The case has been registered on a complaint filed by Jatinder Singh of Bhagwangarh village in the Talwandi Sabo subdivision.
Satveer Kaur is currently evading arrest.
According to the FIR, Jatinder Singh was appointed as a driver on an outsourcing basis with the PSFDC on July 24, 2023, and was attached to Chairman Rakesh Puri.
In his complaint, Jatinder alleged that Satveer Kaur, in connivance with Rakesh Puri, demanded Rs 10,000 per month from him. He claimed that after he objected, the demand was reduced to Rs 8,500 per month as a condition for allowing him to continue in the job.
“I paid Rs 10,000 as an instalment from my salary and was repeatedly asked to clear the remaining amount. When my family and I were unable to continue paying, I was removed from service after October 2023,” the complainant alleged.
To support his allegations, Jatinder submitted 11 audio and video recordings to the Vigilance Bureau. The bureau stated in the FIR that transcripts of the recordings indicate that Satveer Kaur acknowledged the monthly demand and referred to discussions allegedly held in the chairman’s office. She is also purportedly heard admitting receipt of Rs 10,000 and seeking the remaining amount.
The inquiry further revealed that Satveer Kaur allegedly used her political influence and acquaintance with the chairman to facilitate the complainant’s appointment through an outsourcing agency in return for a fixed monthly share from his salary.
The Vigilance Bureau said the role of Rakesh Puri would be examined during further investigation, and appropriate action would be taken if evidence against any other official or employee emerges.
Responding to the allegations, Rakesh Puri told The Tribune, “Jatinder was my driver about two to three years ago. The vigilance authorities called me and I have given them my statement. I have not done anything wrong.”
