Bathinda: A formal complaint has been filed with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging that a sitting MLA accepted a Rs 30 lakh bribe during Republic Day celebrations in Bathinda district.
Dr. Gaurav Arora, an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and former PBI officer, submitted the complaint to the ED on January 26, 2026, seeking an investigation into the matter.
Bribe Allegation Made Public During Republic Day Event
According to the complaint, the allegation was publicly raised during the Republic Day programme in Bathinda, when a city council president accused the MLA of accepting Rs 30 lakh to secure the post of Nagar Council President.
The complaint states that the allegation was made openly during a national function and has since been widely circulated through video recordings and social media, prompting public concern.
Complaint Calls for ED Investigation
Dr. Arora has urged the ED to investigate the following:
-
Source and generation of the alleged Rs 30 lakh
-
Transfer and utilization of the amount
-
Possibility of money laundering
The complaint highlights that if the money was collected or used illegally, it would fall under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Public Trust at Stake
Dr. Arora stressed that failure to investigate the allegation could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and erode faith in the rule of law.
He further stated that such allegations, if ignored, would send a message that influential people are above the law.