The biggest example of Bhagwant Mann's 'Zero Tolerance Policy' came to the fore on Friday when it suspended newly appointed Vigilance Bureau Chief SPS Parmar over corruption and delay in investigation. SPS Parmar was appointed as Punjab Vigilance Bureau Chief in March 2025. Parmar had replaced G. Nageshwara Rao. Alongside the Vigilance Bureau Chief Parmar, an AIG and an SSP from the Vigilance Bureau were been suspended for their roles in attempting to stall an investigation. AIG, who has been suspended, has been identified as Harpreet, while SSP's name is Swarandeep. Now, the question arises why SPS Parmar, Vigilance Bureau chief, has been suspended? Below is all you need to know-
SPS Parmar's suspension inside story
As per sources, SPS Parmar and the other two officers allegedly attempted to shield accused individuals involved in a major driving license scam. Furthermore, they interfered with the inquiry process, delaying action against those implicated in the scam. As per sources in the known development, the Punjab Government is now mulling to file an FIR against the suspended officers. If it happens, it will give the government power to arrest the officers.
Coming back to the case, it has been revealed that during the interrogation of arrested agents and RTA office staff involved in a major transport scam, a deep nexus between senior bureaucrats and transport agents was uncovered. Action against these high-ranking officers was delayed.
During the investigation, the names of three senior transport officials — Ramandeep Singh Dhillon (Mohali), Pradeep Singh Dhillon (RTO Mohali), and Ravinder Kumar Bansal (RTO Nawanshahr) — surfaced. Although a proposal seeking prosecution approval under Section 17A was immediately sent and approved overnight, only Ramandeep Singh Dhillon was arrested in time. The other two officials managed to abscond, reportedly due to Vigilance’s failure to act swiftly even after receiving necessary clearances.
The Vigilance Bureau's negligence resulted in the Secretary of Vigilance issuing a "show cause" notice to the investigating officers, but their response failed to satisfy the government.
Despite crucial evidence, including interrogation findings and voice recordings, timely action was not taken. Sources claim that even a key officer’s incriminating voice recording was ignored instead of being pursued further. Upon learning about these lapses, the Chief Director of Vigilance and several team members were suspended.
The scam reportedly spans several districts including Mohali, Ropar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Firozpur, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Mansa.
Praveen Kumar Sinha appointed new Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau
The Punjab Government has announced IPS Praveen Kumar Sinha (RR:1994), ADGP, NRI, Punjab, SAS Nagar, in addition to ADGP, Intelligence, Punjab SAS Nagar shall hold the additional charge of Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, SAS Nagar. IPS Sinha will hold the place of IPS Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, who was recently suspended over a driving license scam.