Punjab: In a startling turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken into custody Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, the former Forest Minister of Punjab, in connection with a litany of irregularities within the state’s Forest Department during his tenure. The arrest was made under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as the ED investigates allegations of financial impropriety and the subsequent laundering of illicit proceeds.
This action by the ED stems from FIRs (First Information Reports) registered by the Vigilance Bureau of Punjab. The FIRs, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, pertaining to a range of irregularities committed within the Forest Department.
The ED’s investigation has unearthed a disturbing trail of corruption, suggesting that Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, during his term as the Forest Minister in the Government of Punjab, was involved in accepting bribes. These bribes were allegedly in exchange for facilitating activities such as the issuance of permits for felling Khair trees, influencing transfer and posting decisions within the Forest Department, granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Forest Department, and overseeing the purchase of tree guards.
“Furthermore, the ED’s probe revealed that the illicit proceeds generated from these activities were used to acquire various assets and meticulously layered through multiple financial transactions to give the appearance of legitimacy. This sophisticated money laundering operation has prompted the ED to take decisive action against Sadhu Singh Dharamsot”.
Consequently, on January 15, 2024, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot was arrested based on the evidence gathered during the PMLA investigation. Subsequently, he was produced before the Special Court, PMLA, in Mohali. The Hon’ble Court has granted the Enforcement Directorate custody of Dharamsot until January 19, 2024, allowing for further interrogation and the collection of additional evidence in this high-profile case.
This arrest marks a significant step in pursuing justice and sends a strong message against corruption within government departments. The ED’s ongoing efforts underscore the commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those involved in financial misconduct are held accountable for their actions.
