Vigilance Dept Raids Ex-Punjab Minister And BJP Leader Manpreet Singh Badal’s Residence

Punjab News: Manpreet Singh Badal allegedly conspired to purchase two plots in Model Town, Bathinda, at a lower rate, resulting in an estimated financial loss of around Rs 65 lakh to the government. 

The Vigilance Department, in collaboration with Punjab Police, on Monday carried out a raid at the residence of former state minister and BJP leader, Manpreet Singh Badal, situated in Badal village, Sri Muktsar Sahib. The Vigilance team conducted a thorough search of the property after a case was registered against the former minister pertaining to allegations of corruption. The investigation has revealed that Badal allegedly conspired to purchase two plots in Model Town, Bathinda, at a lower rate, resulting in an estimated financial loss of around Rs 65 lakh to the government. 

The individuals named in the case include Manpreet Singh Badal, Bikramjit Shergill (former Bathinda municipal corporation commissioner), Rajiv Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Vikas Arora, and Pankaj. Rajiv Kumar and Amandeep Singh have already been taken into custody. They were presented in court today and have been remanded in police custody until September 28.

Manpreet Singh Badal, who was at the center of the investigation, was not found at his residence during the raid, which extended for approximately an hour. Simultaneously, search operations are being conducted at various locations. 

Providing insight into the matter, a spokesperson for the Vigilance Bureau stated that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by Saroop Chand Singla, a former MLA of Bathinda city. Furthermore, additional raids are being carried out to locate and apprehend other suspects involved in the case.

This particular case, which originally emerged from a complaint filed by former MLA Sarup Chand Singla in 2021, is being diligently pursued.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery), as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Notably, Manpreet Singh Badal had previously held office within the Congress party and is now with the BJP. The investigation has taken several twists and turns, including an interrogation of Badal by the Vigilance Bureau in July.

In response to these developments, Badal filed a pre-arrest bail application in a Bathinda court, and the matter is scheduled for a hearing on September 26.