CHANDIGARH:Reinforcing its declared zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has initiated strict and exemplary action against erring officials in the Finance Department, sending a strong signal that misconduct will not be shielded by rank or influence.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said the government has acted decisively on complaints received in mid-2022 against four employees posted in the Treasury and Accounts Branch (Head Office) and various District Treasury Offices. He stated that the department did not allow the matter to linger and immediately suspended all four officials before handing over the case to the Vigilance Bureau for an independent and thorough investigation.

“The moment complaints surfaced, action was taken without hesitation. Suspension was followed by a vigilance probe to ensure complete transparency and fairness,” Cheema said, underlining that the government’s response reflected its firm commitment to clean governance.

After an exhaustive departmental inquiry, the Finance Minister said decisive action was concluded in December 2025. One official, holding the rank of Superintendent Grade-2, was dismissed from service, while the remaining three employees were awarded major punishments in accordance with service rules. He said the punishment awarded in the case clearly demonstrated that corruption would not be tolerated in any form under the present government.

The vigilance investigation also progressed on the criminal side. Cheema informed that FIR No. 1/2026 was registered by the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar Range, against the dismissed Superintendent Grade-2. The accused was arrested on January 11, 2026, and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gurdaspur, on January 12, 2026, after completion of initial custody. The court granted one-day police remand for further interrogation.

Taking the probe deeper, scrutiny of the bank accounts of the four accused employees revealed suspicious financial transactions involving 22 other officers and employees. Cheema said to maintain impartiality and credibility, the investigation into these transactions was entrusted to a retired judge. On the basis of the findings of this independent inquiry, departmental action has now been initiated against all 22 officials strictly as per the prescribed rules and procedures.

“This is not about selective action. It is about ensuring fairness, accountability and transparency. Anyone found guilty, irrespective of status, will face consequences,” the Finance Minister asserted.

Reiterating the government’s resolve, Cheema said the Punjab Government remains committed to providing a transparent, responsible and corruption-free administration to the people. He maintained that wherever corruption comes to light, swift and uncompromising action will follow.

The developments, he said, convey a clear message that illegal practices, financial misconduct and abuse of official position will not be tolerated, and that the Mann Government’s priority is to build a clean, honest and trustworthy administrative system for Punjab.