Mounting pressure surrounds Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia as Punjab’s former Director General of Police Siddharth Chattopadhyaya has not only backed the Vigilance Bureau’s ongoing investigation but also confirmed that “concrete”, “court-admissible” evidence — linking Majithia to drug traffickers — has existed since 2012. The former top cop’s entry into the probe has given a significant push to the state's case, as the government now plans to file a fresh FIR against Majithia on charges of threatening VB officials, destroying evidence, and inciting violence during a raid at his Amritsar residence.
Chattopadhyaya, who was the state’s police chief when the 2021 NDPS case was filed against Majithia under the Congress regime, met Vigilance officials on Friday and shared the complete case background with the investigating team. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said: “There is irrefutable, on-record, and legally acceptable evidence against Majithia, which was suppressed earlier due to political pressure.” He added that he was not there to record his statement but to ensure that the new officers, handling the case, understood the strength and depth of the existing material.
The former DGP’s remarks have added a new dimension to the high-profile case, which has already rocked Punjab’s political landscape. He revealed that Majithia had received financial benefits from drug traffickers and routed funds through shell companies, with some transactions traced to foreign sources. “Back in 2012-13, there was enough proof to act, but Majithia was protected due to the SAD-BJP Government being in power,” said Chattopadhyaya, alleging deliberate inaction at the time.
He further highlighted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed under High Court orders to investigate police-drug mafia links, had submitted three reports, while he submitted an additional sealed report independently, which remains unopened. Accusing certain police officers of shielding drug syndicates, Chattopadhyaya named dismissed Inspector Inderpreet, who was promoted four times despite facing multiple inquiries and FIRs. He also alleged that absconding AIG Rajjit Singh made his fortune entirely through drug-related activities.
Even as the former top cop’s revelations are expected to create ripples, the State Government is moving to register another FIR against Majithia. During a recent raid at Majithia’s residence at Amritsar’s posh Green Avenue, the Vigilance Bureau alleged that he incited a mob to obstruct the search, physically confronted officials, and conspired to destroy key documents linked to a Rs 540 crore drug-money laundering racket. The residence is also suspected to have sheltered international drug traffickers in the past, it was alleged.
According to sources, the Vigilance team had credible intelligence about crucial documents stored at the site. However, to prevent their seizure, Majithia's supporters reportedly attacked the team, creating a chaotic situation that delayed and disrupted the search. These actions have laid the groundwork for a fresh case under serious criminal charges, including conspiracy, assault on public servants, and tampering with evidence.
Majithia was arrested on June 25 (Wednesday) in Amritsar under the disproportionate assets case, which investigators say stems from proceeds of drug trafficking. His arrest followed a detailed Vigilance report submitted late on June 24. Despite his legal team claiming a political vendetta, the Bureau insisted that the operation was lawful and evidence-based.
He was presented before a Mohali court on Thursday amid tight security. While the prosecution sought 12 days’ custody, the court granted seven days of remand, with the next hearing scheduled for July 2. Majithia’s lawyer, Arshdeep Singh Kaler, argued that the action was politically motivated, pointing out alleged contradictions between the state’s stand in the Supreme Court and local courts. He also maintained that the companies under scrutiny were all duly registered and recognized by the Central Government.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance Bureau had recovered substantial digital and documentary evidence following raids at 26 locations connected to Majithia on Wednesday. Items seized include 29 mobile phones, five laptops, three iPads, two desktops, eight diaries, and various financial records. Investigators claimed that Majithia amassed Rs 540 crore in illegal assets, with Rs 161 crore in unexplained bank deposits and Rs 141 crore moved through foreign shell firms. Financial records also revealed Rs 236 crore unaccounted for in company ledgers.
