Chandigarh | The investigation against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia in the high-profile assets beyond known sources of income case has intensified. In a significant development, former ED Deputy Director Niranjan Singh is scheduled to appear before the Punjab Vigilance Bureau at 12 PM today.
This move comes just a day after former Punjab DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya was also summoned for questioning in connection with the same case.
Niranjan Singh Recalled for Key Testimony
Niranjan Singh was a pivotal officer in the 2014 ED-led investigation into Majithia’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking and disproportionate assets. Though not initially named in the FIR, Singh stated:
“My name came up during interrogation of other accused. I was leading the probe into the financial aspects of the case until my retirement in 2021.”
He refrained from sharing further details, citing ongoing court proceedings and the submission of a sealed status report.
DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya’s Explosive Statements
On June 28, former Punjab DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya also deposed before the Vigilance Bureau. Speaking to the media afterward, he made three key assertions:
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“Majithia had links with drug traffickers.”
The former DGP affirmed that his department had solid evidence as far back as 2012–13, but the then SAD-BJP government prevented any action.“Even in 2021 when we registered an FIR, we had strong proof. That proof still exists.”
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“SIT reports were buried or ignored.”
He disclosed that the Punjab & Haryana High Court-mandated SIT had submitted three reports, one of which he personally authored and which is allegedly still “under wraps.”
He highlighted widespread internal corruption, naming dismissed Inspector Inderpreet and absconding AIG Rajjit Singh, claiming they misused drug money for personal enrichment. -
“Fake shell companies and foreign remittances involved.”
The ex-DGP alleged that fake companies were used to move money and emphasized the case’s international financial trail.“The SIT’s role was to submit findings to the court, not file chargesheets. The financial links are serious.”
Legal & Political Implications
With testimonies from former top-ranking officers like Niranjan Singh and Chattopadhyaya, the Vigilance Bureau’s case against Majithia is gaining momentum. The probe, centered around his alleged wealth accumulation via illegal drug trade links, is now drawing attention from legal and political circles alike.
Earlier, Majithia was also arrested in 2021 in connection with the NDPS Act, but the investigation into his disproportionate assets is a separate, parallel inquiry.
Background of the Case
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Bikram Majithia, a key SAD leader and former minister, has long been accused of having nexus with drug cartels in Punjab.
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Multiple agencies, including the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab Police, and Enforcement Directorate (ED), have investigated his alleged role.
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Majithia has denied all allegations and termed the investigation politically motivated.
