Senior Akali leader Bikram Majithia Arrested by Vigilance Bureau; 29 Mobile Phones, 4 Laptops and Other Documents Seized

Amritsar (The Uttam Hindu): Bikram Singh Majithia has been arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday following a raid on his Amritsar residence in connection with drug smuggling. Various electronic devices and documents have been recovered from Bikram Singh Majithia during the search. These include 29 mobile phones, 04 laptops, 02 iPads, 08 diaries and many other important documents. Bikram Singh Majithia has also released a video regarding this entire action, in which he is seen arguing with the vigilance officers. He has termed this as an act of political revenge.

The Raid and Arrest

A team of 30 Vigilance personnel, comprising senior officials, reached Majithia's house in the early morning hours. The operation led to a minor scuffle when SAD leaders tried to enter the house but were pushed back. Majithia's wife, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, an Akali MLA, confronted the officials, alleging forceful entry into their home. She claimed that the officials didn't inform them about the purpose of the raid.

Background of the Case

Majithia has been facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since December 2021, ahead of the Assembly elections. He was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in August 2022, but the Supreme Court dismissed Punjab's petition challenging the bail in April this year. The Vigilance Bureau's action against Majithia is part of the Bhagwant Mann government's crackdown on drugs.

Majithia's Response

Majithia had earlier claimed that the Bhagwant Mann government was preparing to file a false case against him. After the raid, he stated that he wouldn't be scared and would continue to raise his voice for Punjab's issues. As the brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Majithia's arrest has sparked a reaction from the party.