In a significant development, Punjab Vigilance Bureau has apprehended Jaspreet Singh Siddhu, the Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) posted in Khadur and Dera Bassi in the SAS Nagar district. Siddhu is accused of being involved in a multi-million rupee scam related to compensations for damaged guava crops in SAS Nagar.
Providing details, the spokesperson for the State Vigilance Bureau stated that the accused, J.S. Siddhu, had obtained interim bail from the High Court on September 1, 2023. However, the bureau opposed his subsequent bail petition, submitting extensive evidence during prolonged and detailed hearings, including three affidavits/counter-affidavits.
The Vigilance Bureau, while highlighting Siddhu’s connections with other suspects, presented call records, statements from various witnesses, instances of harassment, forged documents, and the report submitted to the state’s Horticulture Department, revealing disparities. The spokesperson clarified that the discrepancies between the official report and the one presented to Gamaada (Compensation) were evident.
Moreover, the categorical differences in the categorization of the mentioned plants in the official report compared to the report submitted to Gamaada were glaring. The spokesperson emphasized that this evidence was brought to light during the proceedings, highlighting the apparent misconduct.
Following these developments, the High Court dismissed Siddhu’s subsequent bail petition on January 24, 2023. Subsequently, Siddhu went into hiding, prompting the Vigilance Bureau to intensify efforts to locate him. The pursuit culminated in Siddhu’s arrest on Tuesday from SAS Nagar. The Vigilance Bureau, dedicated to curbing corruption, continues its probe into the alleged scam, aiming to ensure accountability and justice.
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