A local court in Mohali on Tuesday ordered a one-day police custody remand for Harpreet Singh Gulati, a close associate of former Shiromani Akali Dal minister Bikram Singh Majithia. The remand was granted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a disproportionate assets case.
Vigilance Bureau Presents Fresh Evidence
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), which sought the extension of custody, informed the court that their probe had uncovered new and critical evidence. The agency stated that significant amounts of cash were deposited into companies linked to Gulati. This money was allegedly later transferred to firms connected to Bikram Singh Majithia.
Arguing for further custodial interrogation, the VB's counsel emphasized the need to trace the original source of these funds. The bureau arrested Gulati from his residence in Sector 106, Mohali, accusing him of assisting Majithia in laundering black money.
Defense Opposes Remand, Details of Alleged Transfers Emerge
Opposing the plea for remand, Gulati's defense lawyer, Charanjit Bakshi, contended that his client had already undergone extensive questioning. He argued that no further police custody was justified.
However, the VB's investigation paints a detailed picture of the alleged financial dealings. The agency claims that Gulati transferred money to Majithia's companies through his own firms. Crucially, the VB alleges that these funds were never returned, and no legal steps were taken to recover them, raising suspicions about their nature.
Gulati's Business Evolution Under Scrutiny
The probe has also shed light on Gulati's business background. Investigators found that he was previously involved in the sale and purchase of used vehicles. However, his business profile changed dramatically. During the Akali Dal government's tenure in 2008-09, he established several companies and rose to become a major player in the state's liquor business.
The court has directed the Vigilance Bureau to produce Harpreet Singh Gulati again on Wednesday for the next hearing in this high-profile case.
