Thu Jun 26 15:41:15 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former Punjab Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested on June 25, 2025, by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and subsequently remanded to seven days’ custody by a Mohali court on June 26 in connection with an alleged case of laundering ₹540 crore of drug money. The arrest triggered a political storm, with the Punjab Chief Minister hailing it as a turning point in the state’s anti-drug efforts and the SAD accusing the government of political vendetta.

**News Article:**

**Ex-Punjab Minister Majithia Remanded in Custody in Drug Money Laundering Case, Sparks Political Firestorm**

**CHANDIGARH -** Former Punjab Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia was remanded to seven days’ custody on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a day after his arrest by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. A Mohali court ordered the remand in connection with an alleged case of laundering ₹540 crore of drug money.

The Vigilance Bureau, which sought the remand, stated it needed to further investigate the alleged use of multiple channels for laundering drug proceeds. Ferry Sofat, counsel for the Vigilance Bureau, confirmed that Majithia would be produced before the court again on July 2.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann hailed the arrest as a significant step in the state’s fight against drugs. “We have taken action against the small-time drug smugglers. Now it is the turn of the big fish,” Mann stated, alleging a long-standing political nexus shielding drug traffickers. He further claimed that evidence, including 29 mobile phones and eight laptops, was recovered from Majithia’s residence.

The arrest has triggered a sharp response from the Shiromani Akali Dal, who accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of “political vendetta” and violating due process. Senior SAD leaders, during a press conference, termed the action “vindictive” and likened the atmosphere in the State to the period of Emergency. They alleged that the disproportionate assets case was registered without a preliminary inquiry and was an attempt to divert attention from the government’s alleged failure in its “war on drugs.”

The arrest has inflamed political tensions in Punjab, with supporters of SAD scuffling with police as they attempted to protest outside Majithia’s residence. The coming days are expected to be crucial as the investigation unfolds and further details emerge in this high-profile case.

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