Punjab’s four former Ministers from the previous Congress Government are poised to face legal scrutiny, following the Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan’s approval for their prosecution. Among the high-profile leaders set for trial are former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni, along with Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, and Sunder Sham Arora. These prominent politicians have already been formally charged and will now have to navigate the judicial process.
Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, who had been Forest Minister in the Capt Amarinder Singh Government, is facing the allegations related to a massive financial scandal in the forest department. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a separate investigation into this case, revealing a discrepancy between Dharamsot’s declared income and expenditures. From March 1, 2016, to March 21, 2022, Dharamsot’s declared income was approximately Rs 2.37 crores (2,37,12,594), while his expenses soared to Rs 8.76 crores (8,76,30,888) — reflecting a staggering excess of Rs 6.39 crores (6,39,18,292) over his reported income.
Former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni is also under intense scrutiny. Arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in July 2023, Soni is accused of extravagant spending beyond his means. Between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022, Soni’s total declared income was around Rs 4.52 crores (4,52,18,771), yet his expenditures amounted to Rs 12.48 crores (12,48,42,692) — an excess of 79623921, which is 176.08 percent more than his reported income.
In another case, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, has been embroiled in a multi-million tender scam. The ED has recently arrested him as a part of an ongoing probe into the fraudulent tender allocations. Ashu’s case has drawn significant attention, reflecting widespread concerns about corruption in public procurement processes.
Former Minister Sunder Sham Arora, who was previously arrested in connection with an industrial plot scam, has also been in the spotlight. Significant cash was reportedly recovered from his residence, and he is currently out on bail as investigations continue.
