Vigilance Crackdown on Corruption in Himachal Pradesh: Three Officials Caught Red-Handed

In a major operation against corruption, the vigilance department in Himachal Pradesh has taken a firm stand, exposing a bribery scandal within the Food Safety Department in Kullu district. The vigilance team, acting on a tip-off, apprehended Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety Bhavita Tandon, Food Safety Officer Pankaj, and peon Keshav Ram while they were caught red-handed accepting a bribe of INR 1.10 lakh. The authorities have since registered a case and initiated further legal proceedings against the accused.

The entire operation unfolded when a local hotelier, who was allegedly being extorted for a bribe of INR 2 lakh, approached the vigilance department with a formal complaint. The complaint stated that Bhavita Tandon had demanded the bribe in exchange for suppressing a case related to food safety violations at the hotel. The violations reportedly included the use of substandard cooking oil and an incorrect brand of papad, which led to a notice being issued against the establishment.

Acting on this complaint, the vigilance team meticulously planned a sting operation to expose the corrupt practices within the department. The hotelier, cooperating with the officials, arrived at the Food Safety Office to deliver a portion of the demanded amount—INR 1.10 lakh. Bhavita Tandon instructed him to hand over the money to Food Safety Officer Pankaj, who, in turn, directed the transaction to be completed through peon Keshav Ram. The moment the cash was handed over, the vigilance team swiftly intervened, catching all three officials in the act and seizing the illicit amount as evidence.

This crackdown serves as a powerful message against corruption and reinforces the vigilance department’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within government institutions. The arrest of these officials has sent shockwaves through administrative circles, highlighting the prevalence of unethical practices even in regulatory bodies responsible for public health and safety.

Confirming the development, SP Vigilance Kulbhushan Verma stated that the accused have been taken into custody and a thorough investigation is underway. He emphasized that no corrupt individual, irrespective of their position, will be spared as the state remains determined to eliminate corruption from its core.

The incident has sparked discussions on the need for stronger oversight mechanisms and strict action against those who misuse their authority for personal gains. The vigilance department’s proactive approach in handling this case has been widely appreciated by the public, reaffirming faith in the system’s ability to root out corruption.

As the legal process unfolds, this case stands as a stark reminder that corruption is a menace that must be tackled head-on. The vigilance department’s successful operation in Kullu serves as an inspiration for continued efforts in upholding integrity and justice across all government sectors.

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