Fugitive Inspector's Year-Long Chase Ends: Moga Officer Surrenders in Bribe Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events that brings a year-long chase to a close, Moga Police Inspector Parminder Kaur, who had been absconding in a high-profile bribery case, finally surrendered before a Mohali court on Tuesday. Her appearance marks a significant development in a corruption scandal that has gripped Punjab's police force, with the former officer now remanded to judicial custody.

Inspector Kaur had been a fugitive since March 15, 2023, when a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against her by the State Vigilance Bureau flying squad-1 in Mohali.

The charges are grave, encompassing sections 7, 7-A, 8, and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, indicating a conspiracy to commit a crime. The essence of the accusation is that Kaur allegedly demanded a hefty bribe of Rs 5 lakh. This sum was purportedly sought from a property dealer in exchange for reinstating his license and preventing his implication in a separate case, casting a dark shadow over her official conduct.

The intricate web of corruption became clearer with the arrest of her alleged co-accused, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sukhjinder Singh, way back in March 2023.

Investigations revealed that ASI Singh had purportedly collected an initial installment of Rs 3 lakh from the complainant, acting on behalf of Inspector Kaur. While Singh faced the music early on, Kaur managed to evade authorities for over a year, leaving investigators frustrated and the public wondering about the reach of justice.

Her surrender before the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class in Mohali brings an end to her protracted flight from justice.

The court's decision to send her to judicial custody signifies the legal system's commitment to holding even senior officials accountable. This development underscores the ongoing efforts by the State Vigilance Bureau to crack down on corruption within the public services, sending a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or how long they manage to stay ahead of the curve.