Bikram Singh Majithia Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Punjab DA Case

A Mohali court dealt a significant blow to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, ordering 14 days of judicial custody in a disproportionate assets case. The former Punjab minister, arrested on June 25, 2025, will be transferred to Nabha jail, with the next hearing scheduled for July 18. This follows an 11-day vigilance remand during which the Punjab Vigilance Bureau probed allegations of wealth amassed beyond Majithia’s known income sources.

Allegations and Investigation

The case stems from a 2022 investigation by the Vigilance Bureau, accusing Majithia of accumulating assets disproportionate to his declared earnings during his tenure as a minister in the SAD-BJP government. The bureau claims to have uncovered evidence of undeclared properties and financial transactions, prompting intense scrutiny. During the vigilance remand, investigators interrogated Majithia and examined documents linked to his assets, though the specifics remain undisclosed as the case progresses to trial.

Majithia’s Political Vendetta Claim

Majithia, a prominent Akali leader and vocal critic of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, has denounced his arrest as a “political vendetta” orchestrated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a statement before his court appearance, he alleged that the AAP is targeting opposition leaders to suppress dissent ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. His supporters have rallied outside the Mohali court, echoing his claims and demanding his release, intensifying political tensions in the state.

Impact on Punjab’s Political Landscape

The custody order has sparked a heated debate, with SAD accusing the AAP of misusing state machinery to settle political scores. The case could reshape Punjab’s political dynamics, as Majithia’s influence within the Akali Dal remains significant. As he awaits the July 18 hearing in Nabha jail, the controversy underscores broader concerns about the use of legal probes in political rivalries. The outcome of this case may influence public perception and the Akali Dal’s strategy moving forward.