Rs 14.5 crore scam in purchase of vehicles for SSF in Punjab: Sirsa

Delhi Cabinet Minister and BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday alleged Rs 14.5 crore scam in the procurement of 144 Toyota Hilux vehicles by the Punjab Police for its recently launched ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’.

Accusing the AAP-led Punjab Government of financial irregularities, Sirsa demanded that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal take immediate action against those responsible, warning that he would approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the matter is not investigated transparently.

Sirsa said the bulk purchase of 144 Toyota Hilux vehicles by the Punjab Police raised serious questions. Shockingly, no discount was availed by the dealer on such a bulk purchase of vehicles, he claimed. Sirsa pointed out that individual buyers of the Hilux often receive discounts of up to Rs 10 lakh per vehicle, suggesting a potential loss of Rs 14.5 crore to the state exchequer.

“Who pocketed the discount money?” he asked, accusing the government of covering up a “cash deal scam” by not reflecting any discount on official records. Sirsa said this constituted a direct and deliberate loss to the public and alleged grave corruption within the state machinery.

He further criticised the silence of the Punjab Chief Minister and the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), saying their lack of response had only deepened public suspicion and hinted at a cover-up.

Calling on Arvind Kejriwal to intervene, Sirsa said, “As the national convener of the AAP, and with the Punjab Government functioning under his close influence, it is both his moral and political responsibility to act against the guilty.”

Anticipating potential political backlash if the matter is taken up by federal investigative agencies, Sirsa said: “This is not political vendetta. This is substantiated evidence of financial misconduct involving taxpayers’ money. It is a question of transparency and trust in governance.”

He urged the Punjab Government to initiate a time-bound, impartial probe into the alleged scam. Failing that, he warned, a formal complaint would be filed with the CBI to ensure those responsible are held accountable.