Majithia's arrest sparks political firestorm in Punjab

In one of the most politically volatile weeks in recent Punjab history, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s victory in the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll was quickly overshadowed by high drama: the posting of objectionable photos and videos allegedly involving AAP MLA Ravjot Singh by senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, a dramatic Vigilance Bureau raid, and Majithia's arrest in a 2021 drug-linked disproportionate assets case.

- TARUNI GANDHI

The storm was triggered when Majithia, a former Punjab cabinet minister and prominent face of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), shared alleged objectionable visuals of Ravjot Singh on his official social media handle. The act drew sharp criticism and was seen as provocation by the ruling AAP.

On Tuesday, June 25, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau conducted a surprise raid on Majithia's Amritsar residence under tight security. The senior leader was arrested in connection with a long-pending Vigilance case related to disproportionate assets allegedly amassed through drug money. The case was originally lodged in 2021, during the previous government's tenure.

Majithia spent the night at the Vigilance Bureau office and was presented before the Mohali court on Thursday, June 27. While the Vigilance team sought a 12-day remand, the court granted a 7-day remand, with the next hearing scheduled for July 2.