Punjab: After Being Sacked By CM Mann Over Corruption Charges, Health Minister Vijay Singla Arrested

Complaints surfaced about the minister seeking 1% commission from officials for contracts.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Source : ANI

New Delhi: The newly elected Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann sacked state Health Minister Vijay Singla from his cabinet on charges of corruption Tuesday. According to news agency ANI, complaints surfaced about the minister seeking 1% commission from officials for contracts, which was found to be true by the government.

“He was demanding a 1 per cent commission from officials for contracts, and concrete evidence was found against him," said the Chief Medical Officer, as reported by ANI.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann sacks state's Health Minister Vijay Singla following complaints of corruption against him. He was demanding a 1% commission from officials for contracts. Concrete evidence found against Singla: Punjab CMO pic.twitter.com/YGFw1SYtzk

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2022

Later the Chief Minister released a video in which he confirmed the news of removing Singla from his post. The CM also said that strict action will be taken against the minister who has admitted to the wrongdoing.

"I am taking strict action against the minister. I am removing him from the cabinet," said Mann in a video message, reported PTI.

The CM further claimed that Singla admitted to his wrongdoingd and the police have been directed to register a case against him.

Soon after the orders, the health minister was arrested by the police, reported PTI.

In the radio message, Mann said that he could have ignored the incident like other state chief ministers but he took action against the minister as he was voted to power by the people of the state on grounds of eradicating corruption. 

Mann also hailed Aam Admi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal for his anti-corruption stand, saying that a promise was made by the party chief which will be fulfilled by foot soldiers like him.