Punjab Vigilance Bureau Nabs Seed Certification Officer Taking ₹50,000 Bribe in Ludhiana
April 13, 2026
ETT News / Ludhiana
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau apprehended a Seed Certification Officer red-handed on Monday while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a seed producer in Ludhiana. The arrest of Amritpal Singh, who is posted at the Punjab State Seed Certification Authority, marks the latest move in the state’s intensified crackdown on public sector corruption.
Vigilance officials initiated the operation following a formal complaint from a resident of Mansa district who operates M/s Punjab Agri Seed Farm. The complainant reported that his firm had sown wheat seeds across approximately 510 hectares using breeder seeds sourced from various agricultural universities. As the designated Seed Certification Officer, Singh was responsible for inspecting these crops to verify their quality and origin.
During an inspection conducted roughly ten days ago, Singh allegedly demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 200 per hectare to submit a favorable report for the 510-hectare area. This calculation brought the total demanded bribe to Rs 1,02,000. Seeking to document the extortion, the complainant recorded the conversation where the officer laid out his financial demands.
Refusing to comply with the demand for "speed money," the seed producer approached the Vigilance Bureau Range in Bathinda with the recorded evidence. After a preliminary inquiry confirmed the merit of the allegations, the Bureau organized a strategic trap to catch the officer in the act.
The VB team successfully arrested Singh in the presence of two official witnesses at the moment he accepted the initial payment of Rs 50,000. By executing this sting, the Bureau prevented the completion of the illegal transaction and secured the marked currency as evidence.
Authorities have registered a formal case against the officer under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station in Bathinda. Investigators are currently conducting a deeper probe into the matter to determine if other officials were involved or if this was a recurring practice at the Certification Authority.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau Corruption Bribe Case Seed Certification Officer Amritpal Singh Ludhiana Mansa Bathinda Bribery Trap Agriculture Department Seed Certification Wheat Crop Inspection Prevention Of Corruption Act Punjab News
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