Chandigarh, April 25, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) — In a strong move against corruption, the Punjab government has suspended the Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau, SPS Parmar, SSP Jalandhar Range Harpreet Singh and AIG Flying Squad-1 Swarndeep Singh for failing to take timely action in a major scam involving illegal driving licenses.
Earlier this month, the Vigilance Bureau had conducted state-wide raids at several Regional Transport Officer (RTO) offices and driving test centres. It was found that many licenses were being issued without proper driving tests, through agents who were taking bribes from applicants. A total of 16 FIRs were registered and 24 people were arrested, including private agents and some government staff.
Investigations revealed that agents were bypassing the automated driving test system in multiple ways. Punjab has 32 automated tracks where driving tests are recorded on video and scored digitally. Agents, in collusion with RTO officials, were copy-pasting old video footage of candidates who had passed and uploading it under the names of new applicants who never actually took the test. In many cases, the same vehicle was used multiple times, raising suspicion. Proxy drivers were also used to take tests on behalf of others, using vehicles arranged by agents. Despite having access to this evidence, the Vigilance Bureau failed to escalate the probe to higher-level officers or make timely arrests.
During the investigation, names of senior transport officers also came up. While one officer – Ramandeep Singh Dhillon – was arrested, two others, Pardeep Singh Dhillon, RTO Mohali and Ravinder Kumar Bansal, RTO SBS Nagar, are currently on the run.
Despite the availability of evidence, no immediate action was taken against these officers. SPS Parmar, who headed the Vigilance Bureau, was issued a show cause notice for this delay. However, even after the notice, no meaningful action followed. The continued inaction raised serious concerns within the government. It is also suspected that information may have been leaked from within the Vigilance Bureau, allowing the accused to flee.
After a detailed review, the Punjab government took the decision to suspend Parmar for negligence and failure to act against corruption at the highest levels. Along with Parmar, the Asistant Inspector General of Police and the Senior Superintendent of Police involved in the case have also been suspended.
Officials said that the decision reflects the government’s clear stand – that no officer, however senior, will be spared if they are found shielding wrongdoing. “The fight against corruption will continue without compromise,” said a senior official. More arrests and internal reviews are expected as the investigation continues.
