Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia has been summoned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the alleged Rs 6,000-crore drug case, with the panel asking him to appear for questioning on October 5.
Dismissed Punjab Police DSP Jagdish Singh Bhola has also been summoned by the SIT to appear on the same day. The two are likely to be questioned face-to-face as part of the investigation.
SAD Alleges ‘Summons Politics’ Ahead Of Polls
Reacting to the fresh summons, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kaler accused the Punjab government of indulging in what he described as “summons politics” ahead of the Assembly elections.
Kaler claimed that the allegations against Majithia had already been examined during proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court and that nothing objectionable had emerged against the Akali leader. This, however, is Kaler’s claim.
He said the SAD would examine the fresh summons and decide its further course of action. This would also include the legal question of whether the SIT can issue such a summons after the matter has been heard by the Supreme Court.
What Is The Case Against Majithia?
FIR Registered Under NDPS Act
On December 20, 2021, the Punjab Police Crime Branch registered an FIR against Bikram Majithia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Sections 25, 27-A and 29 were invoked in the case.
The FIR was based on a 2018 report of the Special Task Force (STF). Police had alleged that Majithia had links with certain people accused of involvement in drug trafficking.
Investigation Into Majithia’s Alleged Role
The period of the alleged activities mentioned in the FIR was from 2004 to 2014. The case also referred to statements by Jagdish Singh Bhola, Jagjit Singh Chahal, Maninder Singh Aulakh alias Bittu Aulakh and others.
The Punjab government had told the court that Majithia’s alleged role was being investigated on the basis of these statements and other material.
Majithia Got Bail In August 2022
Majithia fought a legal battle in the case and also contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Amritsar. He was subsequently arrested in the case and was granted bail in August 2022.
Majithia has repeatedly questioned the case and the allegations against him.
No Recovery Made, Majithia Claims
Majithia has maintained that the case is registered under the NDPS Act but that the police have not made any recovery from him.
However, police have recorded statements of several people arrested in connection with alleged drug trafficking as part of the investigation.