Sikander Singh Maluka is not the first Minister in the present Council of Ministers of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to face the charges of irregularities in his respective department. In fact, he is the fourth in the row — following Gulzar Singh Ranike, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Tota Singh.
Animal Husbandry Minister Ranike had faced charges of misappropriation of discretionary funds. He is back in the Cabinet following the State Vigilance Bureau have him a clean chit after the Chief Minister instituted an inquiry against him. Ranike had to resign from the Cabinet on the charges.
Bibi Jagir Kaur has been convicted by the court, and sentenced seven-year imprisonment for his involvement in the death of her own daughter under mysterious circumstances.
Another former Akali Minister, Tota Singh, had also been sentenced on corruption charges. Presently on bail, both the Ministers had to resign and not the part of the Cabinet.