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Chandigarh: Reiterating the Punjab Government’s uncompromising stand against corruption, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said strict and exemplary action had been taken against corrupt officials in the Finance Department, making it clear that no one would be spared, irrespective of rank or position.
Sharing details of the crackdown, Cheema said corruption complaints were received in mid-2022 against four officials posted in the Treasury and Accounts Branch (Head Office) and various District Treasury Offices. “The moment these complaints came to light, the department acted without delay. All four officials were immediately suspended, and the matter was handed over to the Vigilance Bureau for an independent and thorough investigation,” he said.
Following the completion of the departmental inquiry, decisive action was taken in December 2025. One official holding the rank of Superintendent Grade-2 was dismissed from service, while the remaining three employees were awarded significant punishments under service rules. “This clearly reflects the Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption,” the Finance Minister said.
Cheema added that criminal proceedings were also pursued rigorously. FIR No. 1/2026 was registered by the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar Range, against the dismissed Superintendent Grade-2. The accused was arrested on January 11, 2026, and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gurdaspur, on January 12, who granted a a one-day police remand for further interrogation.
Taking the probe further, the Finance Minister revealed that scrutiny of the bank accounts of the four accused officials uncovered suspicious financial transactions involving 22 other officers and employees. To ensure complete transparency and fairness, the investigation into these transactions was conducted by a retired judge. “Based on the findings of this impartial inquiry, departmental action has now been initiated against all 22 officials strictly in accordance with rules,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Cheema said the Punjab Government remains committed to delivering a clean, transparent and accountable administration. “Wherever corruption comes to light, immediate and strict action will be taken, regardless of the official’s status. This government will not tolerate any misuse of public office,” he asserted.
The Finance Minister said the action taken sends out a strong message that corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances, underlining the Mann Government’s priority of restoring public trust in governance and ensuring honest administration for the people of Punjab.
