Punjab News: Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia was taken into custody by Punjab Vigilance after multiple raids across Amritsar and Chandigarh. His house at Green Avenue was searched, with key documents reportedly seized. Officials even scaled walls to enter his Chandigarh residence. The government claims this is part of a drug crackdown. But Akali Dal alleges it’s a case of political vendetta. Majithia called it a “fake case” and accused CM Bhagwant Mann of targeting him. Protests erupted across Punjab as SAD leaders rushed in support, calling the action “undemocratic and scripted.”
Police arrive in full force
Early Tuesday morning, residents of Amritsar’s Green Avenue woke to a heavy police presence. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau launched simultaneous raids at nine locations, including the residence of Bikram Majithia. The area was cordoned off, with all entry points barricaded. Inside, Majithia was with his wife, MLA Ganieve Kaur. By noon, he was taken into custody.
Documents seized, links explored
The state’s security agencies claim to have seized “key documents” in connection with alleged drug trafficking networks. According to sources, the raids were part of a broader crackdown on illicit drug operations in Punjab. The agencies are said to be analyzing financial trails, property records, and previous case linkages. Majithia has long denied these accusations.
Officials scaled compound walls
In an unusual turn, officials reportedly jumped the fence at Majithia’s Chandigarh home to enter. The incident has sparked criticism from legal experts, calling it an “aggressive and symbolic overreach.” Akali Dal supporters called it a breach of protocol, claiming this wasn’t a search, but a spectacle. Government officials remain tight-lipped on the method.
Akali leader breaks silence
In a strongly worded statement, Majithia accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of launching a “fresh fake case” due to political desperation. “They couldn’t prove anything last time,” he said, “now they want to cook up something new.” He claimed full faith in the judiciary and accused the AAP government of vendetta politics.
Badal, Harsimrat back Majithia
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal issued a statement backing Majithia, alleging this was part of “a coordinated effort to silence dissent.” Former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal added, “The government fears exposure. That’s why it's targeting voices like Majithia’s.” Several senior leaders termed the action as “undeclared emergency.”
Ground Swells of Resistance
Akali Dal leaders, including Daljit Cheema and NK Sharma, reached the site in support. “This is not law enforcement; this is political theatre,” said Cheema. Sharma questioned the legality of the raid, claiming no warrant was shown. Social media too saw the hashtag #StandWithMajithia trend across Punjab and among diaspora.
Political Heat to Legal Fire
While state agencies push forward with their investigation, opposition voices are uniting in protest. Legal experts believe the case will set a precedent — either for empowered vigilance or unchecked political targeting. The coming days will decide whether this was a just crackdown or a calculated move in Punjab’s political chessboard.
