Chandigarh: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing FIR No. 02 of 2021 registered at Punjab State Crime and Vigilance Bureau has uncovered large-scale laundering of drug money allegedly involving former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia.
According to the Vigilance Bureau, preliminary investigations revealed that more than ₹540 crore of drug money was laundered through various channels.
These include the deposit of ₹161 crore in cash into accounts of companies linked to Majithia, ₹141 crore routed through suspected foreign entities, and another ₹236 crore deposited without any disclosure in company financial records.
Authorities also said that Majithia acquired significant movable and immovable properties without any valid or declared source of income.
A spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau said on Wednesday that the agency has registered a new case based on the SIT’s findings under Sections 25, 27-A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The FIR, originally filed on December 20, 2021, pertains to alleged links between Majithia and drug money being channelled into Saraya Industries.
“So far, drug money to the tune of ₹540 crore has been generated illegally, and Majithia, using his position as an MLA and a cabinet minister in the previous Punjab government, facilitated the laundering of these funds,” the spokesperson said.
The Vigilance Bureau further said there has been a significant increase in assets in the names of Majithia and his wife Giniv Kaur, with no legitimate source of income to justify the acquisitions.
The SIT and Vigilance Bureau have carried out searches at three locations, questioning 22 individuals. During the raids, officials seized over 30 mobile phones, five laptops, three iPads, two desktop computers, several diaries, property documents, and paperwork related to Saraya Industries.
Majithia was arrested following due legal process, the Vigilance Bureau said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests and seizures are expected. All collected evidence will be submitted to a competent court for judicial proceedings.
