Has Senior Akali Leader Bikram Majithia Been Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody?
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Synopsis
Bikram Singh Majithia, a prominent leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Punjab Minister, has been remanded to judicial custody amid serious allegations of laundering drug money. The ongoing investigations are drawing attention to a significant political storm, raising questions about the motives behind these actions.
Key Takeaways
- Bikram Singh Majithia has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody over serious allegations.
- He faces charges of laundering drug money exceeding Rs 540 crore.
- Investigations are ongoing, revealing significant financial irregularities.
- Majithia claims the case is politically motivated.
- The next hearing is set for July 19.
Chandigarh, July 6 (NationPress) A Mohali court has placed senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Minister Bikram Singh Majithia into 14-day judicial custody concerning a case involving disproportionate assets.
He is set to be incarcerated at a jail in Nabha, with the subsequent hearing scheduled for July 19.
For the prior 11 days, he was under vigilance remand. The public prosecutor highlighted ongoing investigations linked to Majithia’s “ill-gotten” properties across multiple states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
In a related matter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 4 instructed the state counsel to seek guidance while postponing the hearing on Majithia’s appeal against his “illegal arrest and subsequent remand.
Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya’s Bench has also slated the case for further consideration on July 8. Majithia has contested the remand orders, labeling them as illegal.
In his petition, he argued that the case stems from “political witch-hunting and vendetta” orchestrated by the current political regime aimed at tarnishing and harassing him due to his stance as a vocal critic and political adversary.
The Vigilance Bureau apprehended Majithia on June 25 from his residence in a posh area of Amritsar city, facing allegations of laundering over Rs 540 crore of drug money.
Investigations conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police, looking into the first information report (FIR) from 2021 and the Vigilance Bureau, have uncovered extensive money laundering operations allegedly facilitated by Majithia, according to government statements.
Initial inquiries have indicated that over Rs 540 crore of drug money was laundered through various means, including a substantial unaccounted cash deposit of Rs 161 crore in bank accounts of companies controlled by Majithia, channeling Rs 141 crore through suspected foreign entities, and an excessive deposit of Rs 236 crore without proper disclosure in corporate financial statements.
Additionally, the government asserts there is evidence of Majithia acquiring movable and immovable assets without any legitimate income source.
A spokesperson from the Vigilance Bureau has informed the media that a case has been initiated based on a report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT), registered under Sections 25, 27-A, and 29 of the NDPS Act, revealing substantial evidence of Majithia's extensive drug money laundering operations.
Point of View
The developments surrounding Bikram Singh Majithia's case highlight the intersection of politics and law in India. This situation raises critical questions about the motivations behind such legal actions and their implications on political rivalries. The case emphasizes the need for transparent legal processes, ensuring that justice is served without political interference.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bikram Singh Majithia arrested?
Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested on charges of laundering over ₹540 crore of drug money, linked to extensive investigations by the Vigilance Bureau and the Special Investigation Team.
What does judicial custody mean?
Judicial custody refers to the detention of an accused person by a court order, where the individual is held in a jail rather than being released on bail.
When is the next hearing for Majithia's case?
The next hearing for Majithia's case is scheduled for July 19.
What claims has Majithia made regarding his arrest?
Majithia has claimed that his arrest is a result of political witch-hunting and vendetta by the current political regime.
What is the NDPS Act?
The NDPS Act, or the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, regulates the control and enforcement of laws related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
