In a breaking development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the suspension of Vigilance Chief Director ADGP SPS Parmar. Along with SPS Parmar, Flying Squad AIG Swarnadeep Singh and Jalandhar Vigilance Bureau SSP Harpreet Singh were also suspended with immediate effect.
According to several reports, SPS Parmar was suspended because of his involvement in a license scam. This action was taken based on their alleged attempts to obstruct the investigation.
While announcing the suspension, CM Mann expressed, “This is not just about a scam—it’s about betrayal of public trust. Anyone who tries to shield wrongdoers will face consequences. No one is above the law.”
Who is SPS Parmar?
SPS Parmar is a 1997-batch senior IPS officer. He was appointed as the Director of Vigilance on March 26, replacing G. Nageshwar Rao. At the time of appointment, Parmar was serving as ADGP Law and Order. Following his suspension, 1994-batch IPS officer ADGP Praveen Kumar has been given additional charge of the Vigilance Bureau along with his current role as ADGP Intelligence.
Why the Action Was Taken:
According to a spokesperson of the Punjab AAP government, these senior officers tried to block the investigation into the scam. CM Bhagwant Mann stated, “Anyone who tries to shield the corrupt will not be spared.”
How the Scam Was Unearthed:
Several complaints were received through the CM’s anti-corruption helpline regarding irregularities in the driving license process. Acting on these, the Vigilance Bureau—along with the Flying Squad and Economic Offences Wing (EOW)—launched raids on April 7 at multiple RTA offices and driving test centers across Punjab.
Shocking Findings During Raids:
The raids revealed a racket where RTA officials and agents were illegally collecting money to fast-track licenses or manipulate driving test results. As a result:
- 24 people were arrested
- 16 FIRs were registered
- ₹40,900 in cash was seized, allegedly collected through bribes for licenses and other services
Failure to Act Despite Evidence:
As the investigation progressed, names of several senior transport officials surfaced. One such official, Ramandeep Singh Dhillon, was arrested. Two other RTOs—Pradeep Singh Dhillon (Mohali) and Ravinder Kumar Bansal (SBS Nagar)—are absconding.
Despite having evidence, the Vigilance Bureau allegedly failed to take immediate action. This delay raised serious concerns within the government.
Show-Cause Notice Ignored:
SPS Parmar was issued a show-cause notice for the delay, but he did not take any meaningful corrective steps. The government’s review also pointed to a possible internal leak from the Vigilance Bureau, potentially enabling suspects to escape.
Escalation and Government’s Response:
Following a high-level review, the government concluded that SPS Parmar was negligent and ineffective in handling corruption within his department. He was suspended for dereliction of duty and suspected obstruction of justice. After this, two more officers—AIG Swarnadeep Singh and SSP Harpreet Singh—were also suspended.
Latest Update:
RTO Pradeep Kumar (Mohali), named in the case, remains absconding. The Vigilance Bureau approached the Mohali court, which has now issued an arrest warrant against him.