Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Jalandhar, Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia on Friday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for investigations into the Rs 6,000 crore Bhola drug racket. He was served summons a few days ago.Choosing not to put up any show of strength, the minister came with his lawyers at 10:23 am in his Ford Endeavour car that was not even supporting a red beacon. Jalandhar Police Commissioner Yurinder Hayre escorted him to the directorate premises in his official car.Akali MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Pargat Singh reached the office ahead of Majithia at 10:05 am. Appearing irked over the large media presence, he commented, “Swar ke photo khicho, rooh nal lao (take the best shot and display it well)”.Karnail Singh, Special Director, ED, Delhi, is overseeing the interrogations, which is being conducted by inquiry officer-cum-Assistant Director Niranjan Singh.Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Harpreet Mander was overseeing security arrangements outside the office.Majithia, who is the younger brother of Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal and brother-in-law of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, faces allegations of having links with certain non-resident Indians (NRIs) who have been accused of international money laundering related to the drugs racket.In 2013, the Punjab police had busted the Rs 6,000-crore international synthetic drugs racket in the state.ED sources said Majithia is likely to be asked over 50 questions by the officials regarding his links to three NRIs and the money laundering racket associated with the drugs case.There have been demands from the state Congress for Majithia’s resignation on moral grounds after the ED summons.Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, however, ruled out Majithia’s resignation.
