The Congress-led government of Punjab came under heavy criticism after the Law Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 18 arrested two close associates of the Chief Minister’s nephew Charanjit Singh Channi, Bhupinder Singh Honey, in relation to alleged illegal sand mining in the border state. Similar to Captain Amarinder Singh’s confession, Union Minister of State for Trade and Industry Som Parkash claimed that ‘numerous MPs and ministers’ over the five years of the aforementioned government’s tenure are implicated. in the “transport and alcohol mafia”.
Speaking to ANI, BJP’s Parkash said: “During the 5 years of Congress in Punjab, people have accused many MPs and ministers of being involved in sand mining, transportation and mafia. alcohol. So the ED raid on the premises of Channi’s relatives is not fake. Many congressional leaders should be arrested.”
ED arrests two close associates of Punjab nephew CM Channi in sand mining case
The statement is relevant as the ED is on the move in Punjab as part of the money laundering investigation in the alleged case of illegal sand mining. Among the places searched were the residential premises of Honey and Punjab CM associate Sandeep Kumar. About 4 crores of unaccounted silver rupees were recovered in total – about 4 crores from Singh and 2 crores from Kumar.
During a search in Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, the nephew of Bhupinder Singh and the residence of his associate Sandeep Kumar, some property related documents and Indian currency worth more than Rs 6 crores were recovered – about 4 crores at Singh and 2 crores at Kumar: Sources pic.twitter.com/EYdxq1sjyA
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2023
It is pertinent to note that the ED has taken action against CM Channi’s nephew, Bhupinder Singh Honey, as part of the investigation into money laundering against companies involved in illegal sand mining.
The FIR copy, as viewed by Republic TV, revealed that Honey was booked under Sections 21(1), 4(1) Mines and Minerals (Regulations of development) Act, 1957 and Sections 379 , 420, 465, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR was filed as ED officials continued to loot 10 different locations in Punjab, including Honey’s residence at Homeland Heights in Mohali.
Amarinder Singh alleges ‘the bulk of congressional MPs and ministers’ are involved in sand mining
While the outgoing Punjab CM called the situation a “political vendetta to target members of Congress” and a similar “pattern” was used in West Bengal in assembly polls in the state, the former Captain CM Singh, in his letter of resignation to Congress, mentioned, “In regard to the issue of illegal sand mining, the offenders, unfortunately, were the bulk of congressmen and cabinet ministers, including a overwhelming numbers in the current government.”
Moreover, the previous chief minister had even said that he regretted not having acted in this regard. “The thought that it would embarrass the party held me back,” he said.
Elections in Punjab
While the state is tied to the ballot with the vote scheduled for its 117 assembly seats on February 20, the vote count will take place on March 10, 2023. The last date for filing nominations will be January 28 and the date withdrawal of appointment is scheduled for January 31.
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