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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ex-aide claims Majithia introduced ‘drug traffickers' as his brothers; says wrote to Badal in 2016, but was ignored
Mohali: In a fresh twist to the ongoing investigation into Punjab's multi-crore drug racket, former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Amarpal Singh Ajnala, also known as Boni Ajnala, on Sunday recorded his statement before the vigilance bureau (VB), making explosive revelations against arrested party leader . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ajnala, once an aide of Majithia and now a BJP leader, appeared before vigilance officials at the Mohali headquarters and later addressed the media, alleging that Majithia personally introduced him to individuals now known to be key drug traffickers. "Majithia introduced me to (Parminder Singh) Pindi, Bhinda, Satpreet Satta, and Bittu Aulakh at his residence, calling them his brothers," claimed Ajnala. "But I later found out they were deeply involved in drug smuggling, with clients even in Canada. I raised the alarm back then and even wrote a DO letter to the then chief minister, Parkash Singh Badal, in 2016, but the matter was deliberately buried," he added. Ajnala said Sunday's appearance marked his fifth hearing before the vigilance bureau in connection with the drug case. He maintained that he had been openly raising his voice against drugs since 2013, even when the SAD-led govt was in power, and reiterated his stand on all the statements he made in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Speaking about Bittu Aulakh, Ajnala claimed that Aulakh was once arrested from Amritsar in a drug smuggling case registered in Banur, but was later acquitted by the Mohali court. "That doesn't mean he's clean. There are layers of cover-up here that need to be investigated properly," he insisted. Ajnala alleged that police cases registered in Banur related to the drug racket were either filed away or tampered with, and that crucial jimni (supplementary) reports went missing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "If land records and case files were not tampered with during the Channi govt, the truth about this entire network would have come out much earlier," he said. Similar exposures were made by former deputy director, Enforcement Directorate, Niranjan Singh during his statement to the vigilance bureau in Mohali. Majithia, who has consistently denied the charges, was recently arrested by the vigilance bureau from his Amritsar residence in a case of having assets disproportionate to his income. At present, he is in police custody.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: VB records statement of ex-ED officer Niranjan who once quizzed Majithia
Former deputy director of Enforcement Directorate, Niranjan Singh, who had quizzed Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia in case of money laundering in the Jagdish Bhola drug racket case, on Saturday appeared before the Vigilance Bureau (VB) team probing the fresh case against the former minister. After carrying out a detailed probe against SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Niranjan was transferred to Kolkata, which was stayed by the Punjab and Haryana high court. (HT Photo) Niranjan said he recorded his statement before the VB team who were keen to know the details of the Bhola drug racket case investigated by him in which Majithia's name has appeared. On Friday, former Punjab DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya, on whose order the NDPS case was registered against Majithia in 2021, met the VB sleuths conducting the probe. 'Majithia's name has appeared in the statements of Jagdish Bhola and Maninder Singh Bittu Aulakh. I made both Bhola and Aulakh face the music and ensured their conviction in the case. I told the VB that when I took premature retirement in 2021, a probe was still pending against those who tried to hamper the investigation by pressuring me and harassing me,' said Niranjan. After carrying out a detailed probe against Majithia, Niranjan was transferred to Kolkata, which was stayed by the Punjab and Haryana high court. It was based upon Niranjan's investigation report that the Punjab and Haryana HC had asked then head of the Special Task Force (STF) against drugs Harpreet Singh to analyse the findings of the investigation and suggest action to be taken against Majithia in a 'sealed cover' report. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the NDPS Act on the basis of this report. Niranjan said the VB officials wanted statements of the accused to which he asked them to procure it from the ED. 'Once they ask to verify those statements, I will verify with signatures that those statements were recorded by me as an investigation officer,' he said. 'During my investigation, a total of 66 individuals and a few companies were made accused in the probe out of which illegal properties of 11 accused have been attached. That seems the same ground on which the VB has registered the fresh case against Majithia,' said Niranjan. He said had there been no interference in the case from the Delhi headquarters or his transfer was not done, those who are yet to face the trial, would have been punished. 'The VB categorically asked me if Majithia was involved? I informed them about the statements in which Majithia's name has appeared and told them that the statements are already on record of the investigation,' he said. After Majithia's arrest from his Amritsar residence in a case of disproportionate assets by the VB, the Akali leader is on a seven-day police remand.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Punjab govt ignored FIR, blocked action': ED ex-official says convicts named Bikram Singh Majithia
Mohali: Former ED deputy director Niranjan Singh on Saturday said that though SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia 's name had not emerged directly in the Rs 6,000-crore drug and money laundering racket which he probed, several convicted accused had mentioned him. Talking to media after recording his statement with the Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) in connection with the latest disproportionate assets (DA) case against Majithia, Singh said drug kingpin Jagdish Singh Bhola had also named the former Punjab minister belonging to the Shiromani Akali Dal. "Multiple accused took his name. I was pressurised at the time not to proceed further in that direction. The then Punjab govt ignored the FIR and blocked further action," Singh said. Niranjan Singh had led the investigation into the Rs 6,000-crore case, He added that despite the pressure, he continued with the case and secured convictions for 17 accused. "When I resigned in protest, the high court stayed my resignation and ordered me to carry on with the investigation," he added. Clarifying his appearance before the bureau, Singh said the present case pertained to disproportionate assets, but he shared the same foundational links to the earlier drug investigation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "I informed vigilance that all related documents and recorded statements are available in the ED's record room. They can access those records, and if needed, I am willing to assist again," he said. He reiterated his personal commitment to the fight against drug trafficking . "I stand with Punjab in its battle against drugs. I've always stood on the side of truth," he said. Majithia, who has consistently denied the charges, was recently arrested by VB from his Amritsar residence in a fresh FIR. He has been remanded in police custody for seven days. BOX The 6,000cr case On July 30 last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) special court found former deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Jagdish Singh Bhola and 17 others guilty in a massive drug trafficking case worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore The case, which surfaced in March 2013, came to light following the arrest of Canadian NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab Bhola, a dismissed DSP and Arjuna Award winner for his feats in wrestling, was subsequently arrested, sparking controversy with his allegations against prominent figures The case unveiled a major international drug trafficking racket, with Bhola's claims implicating high-profile individuals, including politician Bikram Singh Majithia.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Have proof': Punjab ex-DGP Chattopadhyaya meets vigilance team probing DA case against SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia
Chandigarh: Former Punjab director general of police (DGP) Sidharth Chattopadhyaya said on Friday there was evidence showing that SAD leader was working in "connivance" with drug smugglers and making "financial gain". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The former officer, who had come to meet the vigilance bureau (VB) team which is probing the latest case against the SAD leader, said there was "much evidence" against Majithia in 2012 itself. "In 2012, it was Bikram Majithia and Sukhbir Badal's govt. I am not saying that Sukhbir was involved. I am talking about political interference. Why it was hushed up then, will you ask them?" Chattopadhyaya said in reply to a query. Chattopadhyaya, who ordered the registration of an FIR against Majithia in Dec 2021 when he officiated as Punjab DGP for less than a month, met officials of the VB, which has registered a disproportionate assets (DA) case, and members of a special investigation team (SIT), which is probing a previous FIR registered against Majithia in 2021 under the NDPS Act. Chattopadhyaya apprised the serving officers of what led to the registration of the 2021 FIR and "facts" that emerged at the time. The latest DA case — in which Majithia was booked on Wednesday and arrested from his Amritsar home the same day — has been registered based on investigations by the SIT probing the 2021 FIR against Majithia. He had been granted bail in the drugs case. "Hundred percent. Hundred percent. There is proof, and it will come in front of you," Chattopadhyaya told reporters in Chandigarh when asked if any "direct link" came out in his probe between Majithia and drug smugglers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He added evidence pertained to Majithia's connivance with drug smugglers and "financial gain". Chattopadhyaya said he informed the two teams about documents that he had got and the entire background of the case. "...so that they (VB & SIT) do their investigations in the right manner and present their side in court in the right manner," said the former DGP. "I want to tell you that neither I was questioned nor I got my statements recorded." A senior VB officer said they had requested Chattopadhyaya to "come and brief (them) about the background of the case, money trail, and other details". The officer said information provided by Chattopadhyaya would be brought on record. Asked if there was any attempt to destroy evidence, Chattopadhyaya answered in the affirmative. "I told [the VB & SIT] which all evidences were destroyed. I told everything," he said. EX-OFFICER SLAMS 'BLACK SHEEP' 'Wrongdoings of on-the-run AIG' Former DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya also spoke about the Punjab and Haryana high court-constituted SIT in Dec 2017 to probe the nexus between drug traffickers and enforcement agencies. He said the SIT headed by him gave three reports detailing at length the misuse of the NDPS Act, extortions, and the money trail of ill-gotten wealth by some of "the black sheep" who brought a bad name to Punjab Police. Chattopadhyaya said reports detailed the wrongdoings involving dismissed and on-the-run AIG Rajjit Singh and properties allegedly amassed by him from the drug money 'Sacked inspector got 4 promotions' Chattopadhyaya said dismissed and jailed inspector Inderjit Singh, who was not even a regular howildar but made CIA inspector, was given four promotions despite the fact that he faced 15 departmental inquiries and had four cases, three of them of corruption, registered against him. The former DGP said the reports mentioned in detail the recovery of drugs, illegal weapons, foreign currency, and many more things and how rules were given a go-by to give promotions to such officials. The reports, he said, highlighted how instead of doing their duty, such police officers "mercilessly committed crimes". SAD hits back: Court asked for proof for 4 years Hitting back, Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler, in a video message, questioned former DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya's "credibility". "What is the credibility of an IPS officer who placed the security of the Prime Minister at stake? This is not the only matter where the PM's security was put at stake; there are other serious allegations against him," Kler said. "For your information, the false case against Majithia in 2021, under Congress govt, was registered under your (Chattopadhyaya) signatures when you were a one-month DGP. The high court has been asking for evidence for four years, but you could not give evidence there. The case went up to the Supreme Court, and you could not give evidence there. This means the case in which you are investigating officer when you were DGP in 2021, the challan could not be presented in that case. Now, in the DA case, he is saying he is becoming a witness," said Kler. VB calls ex-ED officer Niranjan Singh too for help Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) has called Enforcement Directorate retired deputy director Niranjan Singh to assist with information in connection with the DA case registered against Majithia. An ED status report in the Punjab and Haryana high court by Niranjan Singh had eventually formed the basis of registration of the drugs case against Majithia in 2021. The VB has called Niranjan Singh to come and assist with information on Saturday at its office in Mohali at 12:30 pm.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Clinching evidence on Majithia's links with drug dealers: Chattopadhyay
Former Punjab director general of police (DGP) Siddharth Chattopadhyay on Friday met the vigilance bureau (VB) team investigating the disproportionate assets case against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia. During the meeting, Chattopadhyay claimed that Majithia had '100% links with drug smugglers' and stressed that there was ample evidence against him. Former Punjab DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyay arrives to join the ongoing investigation against SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, at the Punjab Police Officers Institute in Chandigarh on Friday. (PTI) Chattopadhyay, who served as acting DGP in December 2021 under the Charanjit Singh Channi-led government, stated that he had shared crucial information about the ongoing drug-related investigation involving Majithia, which was initiated in 2021. He claimed that the evidence against Majithia in this case was sufficient and irrefutable. Majithia was booked under Section 25 (allowing premises to be used for committing a crime), Section 27-A (financing drug-related activities), and Section 29 (criminal conspiracy) of the NDPS Act on December 20, 2021, on Chattopadhyay's orders. The former DGP, who met VB officials at officers' mess in Sector 32, Chandigarh, further revealed that the investigation had uncovered evidence linking Majithia to drug trafficking operations dating back to 2012, though he alleged that the evidence had been suppressed due to Majithia's political influence. According to Chattopadhyay, this evidence was legally admissible in court, but had been intentionally withheld for years. 'I met with the vigilance officers to provide them with key insights from the investigation. The evidence has been on file since 2012 and is irrefutable. Majithia suppressed it because of his influence, but now it will be brought to light,' Chattopadhyay said. Chattopadhyay, however, clarified that though he met vigilance officers, he had not recorded his statement or joined the investigation formally. He explained that his purpose was to provide additional context and insights into the case, specifically to help the new investigating officers understand the evidence gathered during his tenure as the DGP. 'These are young officers, and I felt it was important to guide them. The evidence is already on record, and I wanted to ensure they use it in court. Majithia has tried to suppress it for years, but now justice will be served,' said Chattopadhyay. Majithia was arrested by the VB from his Amritsar residence on Wednesday under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly laundering more than ₹ 540 crore of 'drug money'. On Thursday, a Mohali court remanded him to seven-day vigilance custody. A Mohali court on Thursday sent senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who was arrested by the vigilance bureau from his residence in Amritsar on Wednesday Chattopadhyay's involvement in Punjab's drug investigations has not been without controversy. In December 2017, he led a special investigation team (SIT), appointed by the Punjab and Haryana high court, to probe alleged links between Moga senior superintendent of police Raj Jit Singh and Inspector Inderjit Singh in a drug trafficking case. However, Chattopadhyay's personal report on the issue was rejected by the high court, which ordered it sealed, as it exceeded the SIT's mandate. Two other members of the SIT had also raised objections to his actions. Ex-ED dy director Niranjan to also meet VB officials Former deputy director of Enforcement Directorate (ED) Niranjan Singh, who had summoned Majithia in the Bhola drug racket case, will also meet VB officials probing the case on Saturday. Niranjan had led investigations into the Jagdish Bhola synthetic drug money laundering case in 2014 and had formally summoned and questioned Majithia regarding his alleged role in the racket. Shortly after summoning Majithia, Niranjan was transferred to Kolkata in January 2015. The Punjab and Haryana high court intervened and revoked the transfer, allowing him to continue the probe.
