By The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has proposed stricter measures against government officials caught accepting bribes, signaling the state government’s intent to intensify its fight against corruption. The agency has recommended that officials and employees arrested in corruption cases should not be reinstated easily, and if they return to service after securing bail, they should be posted at least 100 kilometres away from their previous workplace.
The recommendation has been sent to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini along with a list of around 35 officials and employees who were allegedly caught in bribery cases but are currently serving again in the same districts where they once held office. According to officials familiar with the matter, the Chief Minister has expressed displeasure over the situation and directed authorities to examine the cases and take appropriate action.
Sources within the ACB claim that several government departments continue to have employees who were previously arrested in corruption-related cases yet have resumed duties without any major restrictions. Investigators believe that returning such officials to their original areas of influence can weaken efforts to curb corruption and may allow old networks to remain active.
The anti-corruption agency has also expanded its scrutiny to local government bodies. Following allegations of financial irregularities in the Faridabad Municipal Corporation, the ACB has launched a detailed review of projects and expenditures carried out over the last six years. ACB Chief A.S. Chawla confirmed that the investigation is underway and includes examination of records linked to major civic works.
The bureau is simultaneously pursuing a probe into an alleged ₹200-crore municipal scam that surfaced nearly three years ago in Faridabad. Officials have sought legal approval to question several officers as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the Panchkula Municipal Corporation bank fraud case has entered its final stages. However, officials indicate that more arrests may follow, including those of intermediaries and additional employees suspected of involvement. The case has also drawn the attention of enforcement agencies, with multiple accused individuals reportedly facing scrutiny from central investigators.
The latest developments underline Haryana’s growing focus on administrative accountability, with authorities looking to strengthen deterrence against corruption within government institutions.
