Chandigarh: Former Punjab minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia was booked in a drug racket case by Punjab Police, triggering political temperature ahead of much crucial Punjab Assembly elections 2022. 


According to reports, an FIR was registered against Majithia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Mohali on Monday for his alleged involvement in the Banur drug smuggling case. The SAD leader had earlier been acquitted in the case.


Though no official statement was made by Punjab Police, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu announced the development on Twitter earlier in the day. 


“After 5.5 Years of fight against Corrupt System run by Badal Family & Captain and delay of 4 years without action taken on ED & STF Report against Majithia. Finally now, after pushing for credible officers in positions of power and influence first step has been taken (sic)!” he tweeted.




SAD Alleges Political Vendetta


Reacting to the move, SAD dubbed it as a political vendetta. Speaking to reporters, SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal said, We already knew it. "Congress government changed three state police chiefs to book and arrest the Badals and Majithia," he said.


Majithia is the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal.


"Take me wherever you want to, I am ready. Any government which indulges in this vendetta has to face the consequences, Badal said adding that he job of the government is to serve people and not indulge in political vendetta.


AAP Calls It Fixed Match Between Congress & SAD



Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called the development a fixed match between Congress and SAD. AAP leader Raghav Chadha, while speaking to reporters said, "We had earlier stated that the Punjab govt will lodge FIR against Bikram Singh Majithia put him in jail. This is a fixed match between Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal. This is the Channi government's election stunt."



 

Majihtia was booked for allowing drug smuggling through use of his property or conveyance, financing the distribution or sale of drugs and hatching a criminal conspiracy for smuggling.