Ex-Forest Minister Faces Prosecution: ED Files Case Under PMLA, Alleging Massive Bribery Scandal
(Judicial Quest News Network)
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar, has initiated legal action against Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, the former Forest Minister of Punjab, filing a Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on 13/3/2024. The Hon’ble Special Court, PMLA, Mohali, has acknowledged the complaint on 15/3/2024.
The ED’s investigation, triggered by FIRs lodged by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, uncovered a web of corruption within the Forest Department. Dharamsot allegedly solicited and accepted significant bribes in exchange for permits to fell Khair trees, officer transfers, and issuance of NOCs.
During his tenure, Dharamsot purportedly amassed illicit gains amounting to approximately Rs. 1.67 Crore. Previous raids on 30.11.2023 yielded damning evidence implicating Dharamsot and associates. He was subsequently arrested on 15.01.2024 and is currently in judicial custody.
The ED has provisionally seized properties valued at Rs. 4.58 Crore, owned by Dharamsot and his sons, under the PMLA, 2002.
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