SAD: Majithia targeted for ‘exposing AAP corruption’

Probe indicates drug money funnelled into Saraya Industries, run by Majithia and his family members, says VB spokesperson

- HT Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: A special investigation team (SIT) probing a high-profile drug case has uncovered a massive money laundering operation involving over ₹540 crore, allegedly facilitated by former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

The Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) on Wednesday arrested Majithia under the Prevention of Corruption Act after raiding his residence in Amritsar on Wednesday morning.

A detailed seven-page first information report (FIR), registered in VB (flying squad) police station, Mohali, by AIG Swarandeep Singh, is based on the SIT’s investigation and outlines an extensive money trail linking shell companies, suspicious foreign transactions and unexplained asset accumulation.

The FIR was registered against Majithia under Section 13(1)(b), read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which deals with criminal misconduct by a public servant. Specifically, Section 13(1)(b) addresses the offense where a public servant dishonestly or fraudulently misappropriates or converts for their own use any property entrusted to them or under their control as a public servant. Section 13(2) prescribes the punishment for such criminal misconduct, which includes imprisonment for a term not less than one year, which may extend to seven years, and also makes them liable to fine.

This new case stems from findings during the ongoing investigation into a 2021 drug-trafficking case registered against Majithia under the Congress government.

Officials involved in the probe said that financial documents and transactions linked to Majithia revealed significant discrepancies, prompting the VB to take action under the Prevention of Corruption Act.