Jalandhar, May 16 -- The vigilance bureau (VB) has arrested an assistant town planner (ATP) with the municipal corporation (MC) of Jalandhar for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs.30,000 in exchange for approving files.

Sukhdev Vashisht was apprehended following multiple complaints from local stakeholders, who accused him of deliberately delaying file approvals and extorting money from applicants.

According to a VB spokesperson, despite the approval of 70 per cent of building maps in the area, Vashisht refused to clear certain files unless bribes were paid.

"A complainant reported that Vashisht demanded Rs.30,000 from an applicant to process his application," the VB spokesperson said.

"To intimidate applicants, he apparently threatened...