Jalandhar, October 8, 2026: Punjab Vigilance Bureau has arrested a Patwari posted at Basti Peerdad in Jalandhar and a private individual described by the bureau as his agent after allegedly catching them accepting a bribe of ₹5,000 in connection with the mutation of a property.
The accused have been identified by the Vigilance Bureau as Patwari Vishavjeet Singh, posted at Patwar Circle Basti Peerdad, and Rakesh Kumar alias Sonu, who is described as a private agent.
According to the Vigilance Bureau, the action was initiated on the complaint of a resident of New Rajan Nagar, Jalandhar, who alleged that money was being demanded from him for getting the mutation of a plot entered in the revenue records.
The complainant told investigators that he had purchased a four-marla plot and got its sale deed registered in the name of his younger brother, Umesh Kumar, on December 23, 2024.
He subsequently approached the concerned revenue official to get the mutation of the property completed. The complainant alleged that the matter remained pending despite his repeated visits.
According to the Vigilance Bureau’s version, the complainant again approached the Patwari on October 7 regarding the pending mutation and was allegedly directed to meet Rakesh Kumar alias Sonu.
The bureau alleges that Rakesh Kumar demanded ₹5,000 from the complainant for getting the mutation entered in the revenue records.
The complainant initially handed over ₹1,500, but according to the Vigilance Bureau, the amount was returned and he was allegedly asked to bring the entire ₹5,000 the following day.
The complainant also recorded the conversation concerning the alleged demand and subsequently approached the Vigilance Bureau Range office in Jalandhar instead of making the payment.
After receiving the complaint, Vigilance officials verified the allegations and organised a trap operation.
The bureau said the Patwari and the private agent were caught while allegedly accepting ₹5,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
Both men were taken into custody following the operation and further investigation was initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand and acceptance of money.
A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station in Jalandhar.
Investigators are expected to examine the recorded conversation and other evidence collected during the trap operation as part of the case.
The allegations against both accused will be subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny. Their arrest and registration of a case do not by themselves amount to a finding of guilt, which can only be determined by a competent court.
The Vigilance Bureau said further investigation is underway to determine whether any additional individuals were involved and to examine all relevant records connected with the mutation application.
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