Govt Moves Supreme Court Against High Court Order Closing Case in Transport Scam Involving Former Punjab Minister Ashu

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The troubles of former Punjab Congress cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu have deepened in the multi-crore transport tender scam case. The Punjab government has challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order to close the case by filing an appeal in the Supreme Court. Acting on the appeal, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to Ashu.

Speaking on the matter, Ashu said, “If any notice has come from the Supreme Court, I will consult my lawyer and respond accordingly. The case will once again be dismissed. Truth always wins.”

Case Background

Eight months ago, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had granted bail to Ashu in a money laundering case linked to the alleged grain transport tender scam and ordered closure of the case. The Vigilance Bureau had also cancelled the FIR against him.

Allegations

In 2022, some transporters and contractors accused Ashu of favouring select contractors in the grain transport tender process, resulting in a scam worth crores of rupees. Punjab Vigilance had initially registered a case against contractor Teluram and two others, later adding Ashu’s name.

On August 22, 2022, Vigilance officials arrested Ashu from a salon in Ludhiana. He remained lodged in Patiala jail for nearly six months.

Modus Operandi of Scam

Investigations revealed that fake vehicle numbers, including those of two-wheelers like scooters and motorcycles were used in the tender documents to claim transportation of grain. These vehicles were not valid for such transportation.

Enforcement Directorate Action

Following the Vigilance probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case and confiscated properties worth crores belonging to the accused. These included immovable assets in Ludhiana, Mohali, Khanna and other parts of Punjab, along with fixed deposits, gold jewellery and bank accounts.