Chandigarh: Former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni has been arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) for allegedly accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income from 2016 to 2022. The arrest comes as part of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
According to an official spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, a case has been registered against OP Soni under sections 13 (1) (b) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB Police Station in Amritsar Range. The case, FIR no. 20 dated 9/7/2023, follows the investigations conducted during an inquiry that was ordered on October 10, 2022.
During the check period spanning from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2022, it was found that the income of OP Soni and his family amounted to Rs 4,52,18,771. However, their expenditure during the same period was Rs 12,48,42,692, exceeding their known sources of income by Rs 7,96,23,921 or 176.08 percent. The former Deputy CM allegedly acquired properties in the names of his wife, Suman Soni, and son, Raghav Soni.
The spokesperson of the VB stated that further investigations into the case are currently underway. The arrest of OP Soni highlights the government's commitment to combating corruption and holding public officials accountable for their actions. It sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and those found guilty of corrupt practices will face the consequences.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau is actively working towards ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in public administration. This arrest is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption and promote good governance in the state. The government remains dedicated to fostering a clean and corruption-free environment for the welfare and progress of the people of Punjab.
The legal proceedings will continue, and the accused will have the opportunity to present their defense. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau will continue to carry out its mandate to identify and prosecute individuals involved in corrupt activities, ensuring that justice is served and the rule of law prevails.