Chandigarh, Jun 26 (PTI) — In a significant development, a court in Mohali, Punjab, has placed Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a seven-day vigilance remand following his arrest by the Vigilance Bureau last Wednesday. Majithia faces allegations of laundering over Rs 540 crore of "drug money."
Before presenting Majithia in court amidst stringent security measures, police detained numerous Akali supporters protesting against the former minister's arrest near the court premises.
Ferry Sofat, representing the Vigilance Bureau, informed reporters that while the Bureau sought a 12-day remand, the court sanctioned a seven-day remand, requiring Majithia to appear again on July 2.
During the court proceedings, Sofat also highlighted accusations that Majithia "threatened" the vigilance team during a raid at his Amritsar residence.
The Vigilance Bureau's arrest of Majithia was based on allegations that he facilitated laundering Rs 540 crore of drug money through various channels.
The charges against Majithia are linked to an ongoing disproportionate assets case and stem from investigations conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into a 2021 drug-related case.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler labeled the FIR against Majithia as "bogus," insisting that the former minister is being targeted for his vocal criticism of the AAP government and advocacy on public issues.
Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, is presently under investigation for his alleged involvement in a 2021 drug case.
The SIT's ongoing probe has uncovered substantial evidence suggesting "massive laundering of drug money facilitated by Majithia." The findings include over Rs 161 crore in unaccounted cash deposited in accounts of companies linked to Majithia, Rs 141 crore channeled through suspect foreign entities, and Rs 236 crore in excess deposits without explanation in company financial statements. Additionally, there are claims of acquisition of assets disproportionate to Majithia's declared sources of income.
The Vigilance Bureau's case against Majithia is based on an SIT report that allegedly reveals extensive laundering of drug money by the former minister.
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