Chandigarh MC recommends vigilance inquiry over ‘corruption’ in enforcement wing

A few days after an employee levelled corruption allegations in the enforcement wing, the Municipal Corporation has written to the Secretary, Local Government, recommending a vigilance inquiry into the matter.

Besides, it has been decided that all field staff, including labourers, beldars and sub-inspectors, of the Enforcement Wing be shifted to other wings to prevent undue influence and to ensure a transparent inquiry. Seven beldar and labourers have been removed from the enforcement wing and sent to the Engineering Department.

To enhance the enforcement activities and ensure a proper check over any illegal vending and encroachments, the powers of challan and seizure of articles belonging to encroachers have been delegated to sanitary inspectors of Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office and the JEs of the road wing.

A proposal for fixing CCTV cameras on the vehicles of the enforcement wing was made during a meeting. It has been approved by the competent authority and estimates are being prepared.

These decisions were taken after Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla held a meeting with the officers on the issue. The Mayor said those found guilty in the inquiry would be punished as per law.

The controversy started when the first video of the employee surfaced on Tuesday night. In the video, the employee, in a drunken state, alleges corruption in the enforcement wing. In the 15-minute video posted on social media, the employee claims that though he is in a drunken state, he is fully aware what he is disclosing.

The employee, while alleging rampant corruption in the enforcement wing, claims he was forced to collect money from the vendors. When he refused to collect more money, he was tortured and threatened that he would be removed from the job.

In the second video, the employee denies the allegations. However, in a press conference held on Sunday,

he reiterated the allegations and said he had been receiving constant threats and was being forced to sign blank papers.