Majithia Sent on 7-Day Police Remand

Chandigarh : Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has been sent to 7-day police remand after being arrested in a disproportionate assets case involving over ₹540 crore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Punjab Vigilance Bureau allege that Majithia accumulated assets far beyond his known sources of income during his political career.

The case, which has been under investigation for several months, took a sharp turn when financial documents, benami property records, and alleged overseas investments surfaced during raids on his associates and properties linked to him. Officials claim that Majithia’s assets exceed his known income by ₹540 crore—a figure that is still under verification and may rise.

Majithia was produced before the Mohali district court on Thursday, where the Vigilance Bureau sought a 10-day remand for further interrogation. However, the court granted 7 days. He will be in custody until 2 July, when he is expected to be produced before the court again.

In court, the prosecution stated that they needed time to investigate complex financial trails, shell companies, and bank transactions allegedly tied to Majithia. His defense lawyers argued that the arrest was politically motivated and that there was no direct evidence linking him to any criminal financial activity.

Outside the court, Akali Dal supporters raised slogans, condemning the arrest and calling it a witch-hunt by the ruling party. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, “This is nothing but political vendetta. The government is misusing agencies to target our senior leaders.”

The arrest comes at a politically sensitive time, with Punjab heading into local body elections later this year. Observers believe this development could further polarize the political landscape in the state.

The case also revives attention toward Majithia’s past run-ins with the law, including the high-profile drug trafficking case filed against him in 2021, in which he was granted bail last year. This fresh arrest adds to his legal woes and SAD’s mounting pressure.

Authorities have stated that more individuals connected to the financial web are likely to be summoned in the coming days.