The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has issued a lookout notice against former state finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who is no a BJP leader, in a corruption case involving a land deal. Five others have also been booked in the case while three persons have been arrested. Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) chief administrator Bikramjit Shergill has been booked in the case, reported news agency PTI.
The four others booked in the case on Sunday night are Rajiv Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Vikas Arora and Pankaj, an official was quoted as saying by PTI. The alleged irregularities concern the acquisition of a property situated in Bathinda. Rajiv Kumar, Amandeep Singh, and Vikas Arora have already been arrested an official told the news agency.
Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, took a dig at Badal, observing that those who once prided themselves on their integrity are now attempting to evade legal consequences. "The distinction between speaking the truth and standing by it is substantial," Mann said. He pointed out that these leaders had previously indicated their willingness to accept any legal measures taken against them, yet they are now seeking legal protection against arrest.
The Vigilance Bureau launched an inquiry into the matter based on a complaint filed by former MLA Sarup Chand Singla in 2021. Singla had alleged irregularities in the acquisition of a property at a prime location in Bathinda. BJP leader Singla, previously associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal, contended that, during his tenure as a minister in the previous Congress administration, Badal had abused his authority to convert two commercial plots into a residential plot for himself.
The case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery), as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The vigilance bureau claimed that during the investigation, it was discovered that Badal had misused his position to acquire two plots measuring 1,560 square yards of land in Model Town phase-1, Bathinda, resulting in a significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
Badal allegedly conspired with BDA officials, misled the public during the 2021 plot bidding, and uploaded forged maps to "obstruct public participation in the bidding process". The maps incorrectly depicted the plots as commercial rather than residential. Moreover, the plot numbers were not displayed on the online e-auction portal.
Additionally, it was alleged that the digital signatures of a BDA Bathinda administrative officer were utilized for plot auctions without authorization.
Further investigation exposed that the only three bidders, namely Rajiv Kumar, Vikas Arora, and Amandeep Singh, had placed their bids through an individual identified as advocate Sanjiv Kumar. These plots were purchased in 2021 at a lower rate compared to the auction held in 2018, resulting in a loss of approximately Rs 65 lakh to the exchequer.
Badal acquired both plots through agreements with the bidders who were known to him before receiving allotment letters from BDA. It was also discovered that Badal transferred 25% of the earnest money in advance to the successful allottees, indicating collusion with the bidders.
In July, Badal was interrogated during the investigation by the Vigilance Bureau. A few days ago, he filed a pre-arrest bail application in a Bathinda court, with the hearing scheduled for September 26.
It's noteworthy that Badal switched to the BJP after resigning from the Congress in January of this year.
In a statement, CM Mann, while targeting Badal, remarked, "These hypocrites have consistently deceived the public with their eloquent rhetoric." He slammed Badal for "exploitation of public service" and assured strict action against him. He also said that all the loss would be recovered from Badal.
Mann said that Punjab is well aware of the wrongdoings of the former minister. Following his questioning in July, Badal accused Chief Minister Mann of attempting to stifle political opponents through such actions, asserting that he would not yield to the AAP leader, likening himself to Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Raja Warring.