MHA approves suspension of former Punjab vigilance chief Parmar – directs state to issue chargesheet by June 23

IPS Officer accused of dereliction in Transport scam Probe; Two PPS officers reinstated after probe

Chandigarh, May 18, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally approved the suspension of Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, IPS, ADGP and former Chief of Punjab’s Vigilance Bureau (VB), in connection with alleged dereliction of duty in investigating a scam in the state’s transport department.

In a letter addressed to the Punjab Chief Secretary, the MHA confirmed that the suspension of Parmar has been upheld until June 23, 2025, under Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The state government has been directed to issue a chargesheet against Parmar by June 23, with a copy to be forwarded to the MHA for official records.

Mentionably, Parmar, along with two junior officers—Swarandeep Singh, PPS, AIG Flying Squad, VB and Harpreet Singh Mander, PPS, SSP VB, Jalandhar range, was suspended last month following allegations of inaction and procedural lapses in probing a scam involving irregularities in the transport department.  

While Swarandeep Singh and Harpreet Mander have been reinstated after a departmental inquiry cleared them of major misconduct, Parmar’s suspension has been upheld, indicating more serious allegations against him.  

Sources reveal that the Punjab government had accused Parmar of failing to take decisive action in the transport scam case, which allegedly involved fake permits, bribery, and embezzlement of funds.

The state government would now frame formal charges against Parmar before the June 23 deadline. The MHA’s intervention signals that the Centre is closely monitoring the state’s handling of the matter.