Akali Workers Allegedly Detained En Route to Mohali in Support of Majithia
Heavy Security Outside Vigilance Bureau, Court Ahead of Majithia’s Remand Hearing
THE NEWS DOSE DESK
Chandigarh/Mohali, July 2,UDATED|11.15AM
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging that it had “imposed an undeclared emergency” in Punjab to suppress dissent and prevent party workers from showing solidarity with senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is currently in police custody.
Badal claimed that a large number of Akali workers attempting to travel to Mohali to express support for Majithia had been detained by police at various locations across the state. SAD sources alleged that party supporters in Amritsar, Beas, and other districts were either placed under house arrest or intercepted at police checkpoints.
“Bhagwant Mann has imposed an undeclared emergency in Punjab. Akali workers proceeding to Mohali today to express solidarity with S. Bikram Singh Majithia are being detained at their homes or stopped at police nakas. Such repressive acts smack of cowardice,” Badal posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He further alleged that the Mann government was “rattled by the outpouring of support” for Majithia, whom the AAP regime has allegedly framed in a false case. “Let it be clear—SAD and its cadre will not be cowed down. The Akali Dal has always fought repression with people’s movements. We will do so again, with the support of Punjabis,” Badal added.
Majithia to Be Produced in Court as Vigilance Remand Ends
Bikram Singh Majithia is set to be produced before a Mohali court on Wednesday as his seven-day vigilance remand comes to an end. Majithia was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on June 25 in connection with a disproportionate assets case allegedly linked to the laundering of drug money.
Amid heightened political tensions, heavy police deployment was reported outside the Vigilance Bureau headquarters and Mohali District Court Complex on Wednesday morning, in anticipation of potential protests or mobilization by SAD supporters.
VB Alleges Majithia Laundered ₹540 Crore of Drug Proceeds
According to the FIR registered against Majithia, the Vigilance Bureau has accused the former Punjab minister of laundering over ₹540 crore of drug money through various channels. The allegations reportedly stem from findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police that has been probing a 2021 drug trafficking case.
Majithia was earlier booked in 2021 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act based on a 2018 report of the Punjab government’s Anti-Drug Special Task Force. He had then spent over five months in Patiala jail and was released on bail in August 2022 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The latest arrest has reignited the political firestorm in Punjab, with the SAD accusing the AAP government of political vendetta and misuse of state machinery.
