Chandigarh, August 19 – The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has recommended a vigilance inquiry into the Enforcement Wing after serious allegations of corruption surfaced through a viral video shared by one of its employees. The decision comes amid growing concerns over illegal vending, encroachments, and alleged misuse of power by field officials.
Employee’s Allegations Spark Controversy
The controversy erupted after a 15-minute video of an MC employee went viral on social media. In the video, the employee, visibly in an inebriated state, accused the Enforcement Wing of indulging in widespread corruption. He claimed that staff were allegedly forced to collect money from street vendors and shopkeepers in exchange for overlooking illegal encroachments.
According to the employee, he was pressured to demand higher bribes, and when he refused, he faced threats, torture, and the possibility of losing his job. Though the employee later denied his allegations in a second video, he reiterated them during a press conference, alleging constant intimidation and attempts to make him sign blank papers.
Vigilance Inquiry Recommended
In response, the Chandigarh MC has written to the Secretary, Local Government, recommending a full-fledged vigilance probe to ensure transparency and accountability.
To avoid any undue influence during the inquiry, the MC has transferred all field staff, including labourers, beldars, and sub-inspectors, from the Enforcement Wing to other departments. Seven employees have already been shifted to the Engineering Department.
New Measures to Curb Illegal Vending
In a move to tighten checks on illegal vending and encroachments, the powers to issue challans and seize encroachers’ belongings have now been delegated to sanitary inspectors of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office and junior engineers of the road wing.
Additionally, a proposal to install CCTV cameras on enforcement wing vehicles has been approved. Estimates for the project are currently being prepared, ensuring real-time monitoring of field operations to curb malpractices.
Mayor’s Warning: “Guilty Will Face Action”
Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, who chaired a meeting with officers over the issue, said the administration would not tolerate corruption within the enforcement team. She emphasized that any official found guilty in the vigilance probe would face strict legal action.
“Transparency is our top priority. Those involved in corruption will not be spared. We are committed to ensuring accountability within the enforcement system,” the Mayor said.
Growing Public Concerns
The allegations have reignited public debate on the functioning of the enforcement wing, which has long faced criticism for alleged harassment of street vendors. Many residents have welcomed the vigilance inquiry, demanding that accountability should not stop at lower-level staff but extend to senior officers if found guilty.
With the inquiry underway and new checks being implemented, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation aims to restore public trust and ensure fair action against illegal vending without misuse of authority.