Amritsar / Chandigarh — In a development that has sent shockwaves across Punjab’s political and administrative circles, the Punjab government has ordered the suspension of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vigilance Bureau, Lakhbir Singh, amid allegations of irregularities in the handling of development funds earmarked for the upscale Ranjit Avenue area in Amritsar. The suspension follows an internal inquiry that raised serious questions about the use — or misuse — of crores of rupees released for civic works such as roads, drainage, and public infrastructure in one of the city’s most prominent neighbourhoods.
Sources indicate that the action was triggered after a complaint from a senior IAS officer highlighted irregularities in the tendering and execution process, prompting swift action by the state government. The suspension of an officer tasked with rooting out corruption has intensified public scrutiny of Punjab’s Vigilance Bureau and raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of administrative machinery in the state.
In a surprising twist, social worker Mandeep Manna — known locally for civic engagement — has also been named in the ongoing case, with an FIR registered against him in connection with the alleged development fund mismanagement. Reports suggest that Manna name emerged during the probe into how sanctioned funds were allocated and accounted for, raising suspicions about whether proper procedures were followed. Neither Mann nor the suspended officer has issued any official statement regarding the allegations, leaving a cloud of speculation over their roles in the controversy.
The political ramifications of the suspension are significant. Punjab, where politics and bureaucracy are often closely intertwined, now faces renewed questions about the independence and effectiveness of its institutions. Lakhbir Singh, previously recognized for leading high-profile cases, including arrests of prominent political figures, has now found himself under investigation, highlighting the complex interplay of governance, accountability, and political influence in the state.
Communities in Ranjit Avenue and surrounding areas have voiced frustration over the gap between funds released and visible progress on the ground. Unfinished or substandard work has fueled suspicions of misappropriation and deepened public distrust in both political leaders and administrative agencies.
Timeline of Events: Ranjit Avenue Development Fund Probe
March 2025 — Appointment of Lakhbir Singh as SSP Vigilance, Amritsar
Lakhbir Singh was appointed as SSP Vigilance, Amritsar. Earlier in the year, he led high-profile operations including arrests of political figures, establishing him as a prominent officer in the state.
June 25, 2025 — High-Profile Case Involvement
SSP Lakhbir Singh led the Vigilance Bureau team that arrested SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a major anti-drug money laundering case, marking one of the year’s most visible enforcement actions.
Late 2025 — Irregularities Surface in Ranjit Avenue Development Works
Questions began emerging about the execution and financial management of development works worth approximately ₹55 crore in the upscale Ranjit Avenue area. Although funds were released, visible progress on the ground was reportedly absent, raising suspicions of misappropriation.
Complaint by Senior IAS Officer
A senior IAS officer filed a formal complaint alleging multi-crore irregularities and lack of proper execution of sanctioned development works, prompting administrative scrutiny over the handling of the case by the Vigilance Bureau.
December 26, 2025 — Government Takes Action
The Punjab government issued an order placing SSP Lakhbir Singh under suspension with immediate effect on charges of alleged grave misconduct and dereliction of duty related to the tender and development works.
December 27, 2025 — FIR Registered Against Mandeep Mann
Alongside the suspension, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against social worker Mandeep Mann in connection with the probe into the development funds and alleged irregularities.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the case, looking into financial records, tender processes, and the involvement of other individuals, including bureaucrats, contractors, or political actors.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the Punjab Home Affairs department stating that further scrutiny will determine the full extent of wrongdoing. Legal experts caution that such probes often unfold over months, with multiple layers of inquiry and potential court proceedings. Meanwhile, both the ruling party and the opposition are closely monitoring the situation, aware that the case touches upon broader issues of governance, transparency, and public trust.
At its core, this controversy underscores a fundamenta