Chandigarh: In a partial rollback of disciplinary action, the Punjab government has revoked the suspension of two senior Vigilance Bureau officers – AIG (Flying Squad) Swarandeep Singh and SSP (Vigilance Jalandhar) Harpreet Singh Mander (both PPS officers) – who were suspended last week in connection with the driving license scam. The reinstatement order was issued Sunday by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Alok Shekhar.
However, the suspension of 1997-batch IPS officer Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, former Vigilance Bureau chief, continues. The Union Home Ministry has formally approved Parmar’s suspension and directed the state government to serve him a charge-sheet by June 23, 2025. Official sources indicate his case will be reviewed after he submits his reply.
The three officers were suspended on April 15 for alleged failure to act on evidence in the multi-crore driving license racket, where RTA officials and middlemen allegedly took bribes to manipulate test results and expedite license processing.
Political Backlash
Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) slammed the AAP government’s reversal, posting on X:
“First they suspended vigilance officers claiming anti-corruption action. Now reinstatement – same posts, suspension period not regularized. Both decisions can’t be right. Was this just pressure tactics to force compliance? This isn’t governance – it’s intimidation.”
Ongoing Probe & Vigilance Reshuffle
The suspensions followed allegations that the VB sat on evidence and possible internal leaks that helped suspects evade arrest. Meanwhile, recent VB raids at RTA offices and driving test centers across Punjab have led to multiple arrests.
The Vigilance Bureau has seen three leadership changes since February:
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Varinder Kumar removed as Chief Director in February
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G Nageshwar Rao replaced in March
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Current interim chief: ADGP (NRI) Praveen Kumar Sinha holding additional charge
The case remains under active investigation as the government balances administrative action with political fallout.
