The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started its investigation into senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia seeking details of his assets worth Rs 436 crore in connection with an ongoing drug case against him, filed during the Congress regime in 2021. The ED’s move follows a request for the status report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) already probing Majithia’s involvement. The ED has also demanded records of 284 bank accounts tied to Majithia and his family, suspecting potential money laundering activities.
The investigation stems from a case registered against Majithia in December 2021 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Majithia, accused of facilitating drug trade in Punjab during the SAD-led Government in the state, was arrested in February 2022 and spent five months in Patiala Jail before being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in August 2022. Despite this, the case has continued, with the SIT closely examining Majithia's alleged role.
The ED has widened the scope of the investigation, demanding a comprehensive report from the SIT, including FIR details, witness statements, and financial documents. Specific attention is being given to Majithia’s bank accounts, land transactions, and family business records. The ED’s objective is to uncover possible financial misconduct related to the drug trade, with a special focus on money laundering and unexplained wealth accumulation.
Among the key details sought by the ED include FIR Details and Investigation Status giving a complete overview of the SIT’s investigation into Majithia’s alleged drug trade connections. Besides, the ED has sought details of 284 Bank Accounts to examine large cash deposits made across multiple accounts; financial documents to review records from Majithia’s businesses, including Saraiya Industries; property deals to look into land deals involving significant value increases; family income to scrutinize discrepancies between Majithia’s declared income and his substantial assets.
The ED's involvement significantly raises the stakes for Majithia. The agency is known for its rigorous financial investigations, and its focus on Majithia’s assets worth Rs 436 crore suggested that any irregularities uncovered could lead to fresh charges, including money laundering. The SIT’s findings, combined with the ED’s probe, could severely impact Majithia's political career and future legal standing.
Majithia had previously denied all allegations of involvement in drug trafficking. However, with the ED now investigating financial aspects of the case, his legal troubles appear far from over. The upcoming months will be critical as the SIT and ED work together to uncover the full scope of his alleged activities.
Majithia Counters
In response to the ED’s entry in investigations against him, Majithia on Wednesday issued a firm and detailed video statement addressing the accusations and the procedural developments. “Over the past two and a half years, we have witnessed the formation of five Special Investigation Teams (SITs) tasked with investigating the alleged charges against me. Despite the extensive time and resources allocated, these SITs have failed to produce a formal charge sheet or conclusive findings. This failure raises significant questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of these investigations,” said Majithia.
It is noteworthy that the case, which has been under scrutiny by these SITs, has now been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The very same ED that has faced relentless criticism and derogatory remarks from members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This transfer of the case to the ED seems to be a strategic move rather than a procedural necessity, particularly given the ongoing political discourse surrounding the agency, he said.
Addressing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly, he said: “Today, you have effectively conceded defeat. By transferring the case to the ED instead of presenting a chargesheet based on your own investigations, you have implicitly admitted that your previous efforts were unproductive. This action serves as a clear testament to the fact that your administration has been unable to substantiate its claims through proper legal channels.”
Majithia unequivocally clarified, “I am not intimidated by such threats or tactics. My commitment to standing firm in the face of these challenges remains unshaken. I have faced numerous such attempts in the past and have emerged resilient. I am prepared to continue standing up against these baseless accusations and the political maneuvers behind them.”
He stated that the ongoing investigation by the ED will be met with the same transparency and resolve that he had demonstrated throughout this ordeal. “I am confident that a thorough and impartial review will vindicate me of all allegations. Until then, I remain steadfast and undeterred in my pursuit of justice,” he said.
Chandigarh on high alert after suspected grenade blast at a House in Sector 10
PNS Chandigarh
A suspected grenade blast occurred in Chandigarh on Wednesday evening near a house reportedly owned by a non-resident Indian (NRI). Panic gripped the upscale Sector 10 locality in the city when unidentified miscreants, arriving in an auto-rickshaw, hurled an explosive substance at a house. The loud explosion shattered the windows, causing significant damage. However, nobody was injured in the attack, said Police sources.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing three suspects arrive at the scene in an autorickshaw shortly before the blast. The explosion, which occurred around at around 6 pm was loud enough to be heard over a kilometre away, according to local residents.
According to Police sources, three suspects were involved. While one of them threw the explosive, the other two remained in the auto-rickshaw. Authorities were alerted, prompting the arrival of senior police officials, including the DIG and SSP. Teams from the fire brigade and National Disaster Response Force also reached the scene.
A 30-second CCTV footage from the vicinity captured the moment of the explosion, with the blast audible at the 14-second mark.
The Chandigarh Police, alongside forensic experts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), arrived at the scene to collect evidence and determine the nature of the explosive device.
Authorities in neighbouring Panchkula and Mohali were put on high alert after receiving information that the suspects fled the scene in an autorickshaw, possibly heading towards their jurisdiction. Mohali Police also issued an urgent message to field officers about the suspicious grenade blast, asking them to alert all checkpoints and patrol units.
