Chandigarh, May 16
A sub-divisional magistrate posted in Gurdaspur was arrested on Saturday in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Rs 1.63 crore linked to land acquisition compensation for a national highway project, police officials said.
Anupreet Kaur, a 2012 batch Punjab Civil Services officer currently serving as SDM Gurdaspur, was taken into custody from her official residence in the district. She was also holding an additional charge on the Municipal Council of Gurdaspur at the time of her arrest.
Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba confirmed that the arrest was made as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities related to the National Highway 54 project. According to officials, the case dates back to 2018 during Kaur’s tenure as SDM Patti in Tarn Taran. Investigators alleged that Rs 1.63 crore in compensation was transferred to five ineligible individuals in connection with land acquisition for the highway project linking Jammu and Rajasthan.
Police officials said the funds were allegedly deposited into the accounts of individuals whose land had not been acquired for the project. A case related to the alleged embezzlement was registered in 2019 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Officials further said the officer had remained under suspension for a period following the allegations. Police also confirmed that another case involving the alleged embezzlement of Rs 88 lakh had been registered against the officer in 2021. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
