In a surprising turn of events, former Punjab Health Minister Vijay Singla has been given a clean chit by the Punjab Police in a corruption case that led to his dramatic dismissal from the state cabinet in May 2022. The development comes nearly two years after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made headlines by sacking Singla, citing “proof of corruption” and reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards graft.
The case was centred around allegations that Singla had demanded a 2% commission on public works contracts worth approximately ₹58 crore. An FIR was registered, and he was arrested shortly thereafter. His sacking was hailed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a bold example of internal accountability and a message of transparency in governance.
However, in a major shift, the Punjab Police have now filed a closure report in a Mohali court, stating that no conclusive evidence was found against Singla or his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Pradeep Kumar. The report also noted that the complainant, government engineer Rajinder Singh, had no objection to the closure of the case and agreed with the police findings.
This reversal has triggered questions about the original evidence and the procedure followed in the investigation. Legal experts and political analysts have started debating whether due process was ensured at the time of Singla’s dismissal, and what implications this may have for the AAP government’s image.
The Mohali court is scheduled to take up the closure report on July 14, and a final decision on the case will be made thereafter. Meanwhile, the episode has reignited discussions about the political narrative surrounding anti-corruption efforts and the balance between swift action and thorough investigation.
As the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approach, this case may play a role in shaping public opinion about the credibility and internal checks within the ruling AAP government.