Bikram Singh Majithia Arrested in ₹540 Crore Drug Money Laundering Case by Vigilance Bureau

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) from his residence in Amritsar on Wednesday, just hours after a case was registered against him in a disproportionate assets investigation. The FIR was lodged at the Punjab State Vigilance Bureau police station in Mohali at 4:40 am.

A team led by Senior Superintendent of Police (VB), Lakhbir Singh, arrived at Majithia’s residence in Green Avenue, Amritsar, early in the morning. The operation sparked a heated verbal exchange between Majithia and the officials, videos of which were later shared by Majithia on social media. He alleged that the raid and subsequent arrest were politically motivated and urged mediapersons present to document the events.

Ganieve Kaur, Majithia’s wife and SAD MLA from the Majitha assembly constituency, addressed the media briefly outside their home. She accused the vigilance officials of forcibly entering their house and misbehaving with the family during the operation.

According to the Vigilance Bureau, the FIR was based on findings from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2021 drug case against Majithia, registered under FIR No. 02/2021 at Punjab State Crime Police Station, SAS Nagar (Mohali). The SIT’s investigation allegedly unearthed evidence of large-scale money laundering linked to drug proceeds.

A spokesperson for the VB stated, “Preliminary investigations suggest over ₹540 crore in drug money was laundered using various methods, allegedly facilitated by Majithia during his tenure as a minister and MLA.” The FIR notes that Majithia failed to provide a reasonable explanation for the acquisition of assets and the expenses he incurred between 2007 and 2012.

The bureau further revealed that raids and searches have been conducted at multiple locations and premises of 22 individuals. The operation yielded significant evidence, including more than 30 mobile phones, five laptops, three iPads, two desktops, various diaries, property documents, and files related to Saraya Industries.

In Mohali, Majithia’s legal counsel, Arshdeep Singh Kaler and H.S. Dhanoa, were permitted to meet him for an hour at the bureau’s headquarters. The Vigilance Bureau confirmed that Majithia will be presented before the court on Thursday.

Following his arrest, a large number of SAD supporters gathered outside the VB office, protesting against the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government. The area was heavily barricaded with restricted public movement, as police converted the vicinity into a high-security zone.