The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating alleged money laundering activities involving Bikram Singh Majithia, a prominent leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). However, initial findings suggest that the charges of laundering ₹540 crore are primarily based on conjecture and statements from accused individuals, with a lack of solid evidence to support the claims. Majithia has been in custody since June 26 and faces increased scrutiny following a new FIR filed against him, which relies on a previous report from a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The case against Majithia has a long and complex history. Niranjan Singh, a former ED Deputy Director who led the probe into money laundering and cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against Majithia from 2013 to 2017, has shared his insights with the Vigilance Bureau (VB). Singh stated that Majithia's name surfaced in the statements of individuals like Jagdish Bhola and Bittoo Aulakh, both convicted drug lords. According to Singh, 17 individuals were convicted, and chargesheets were filed against 68 entities based on his investigations, with their ill-gotten property being attached. He also noted that the grounds for the current case against Majithia are similar, utilizing the same statements and documents.

Singh also revealed that he faced pressure during his investigation to slow down and was eventually transferred in October 2018. He alleged that until he left the service in 2021, he was prevented from investigating several individuals, including Majithia. Despite the pressure, Singh continued his work, leading to multiple convictions. He also mentioned that the Punjab government at the time ignored the FIR and blocked further action.

Adding to the complexity, former Punjab DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya also appeared before the VB, providing information related to the case. Chattopadhyaya, who initiated a 2021 FIR against Majithia under the NDPS Act, reportedly presented documentation and testimonies that exposed the suppression of leads and potential destruction of evidence.

Majithia's legal troubles began in 2021 when he was booked under the NDPS Act based on a 2018 report by the anti-drug STF. This report, in turn, was based on statements made by Jagdish Bhola in 2013, whose ₹6,000 crore drug empire was uncovered during the SAD-BJP government. Majithia spent over five months in jail before being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in August 2022.

Despite the charges and ongoing investigations, Bikram Singh Majithia has consistently denied all allegations. Some political factions have also rallied in his defense, labeling the case as a political vendetta by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The opposition claims that the charges against Majithia have been previously rejected by the Supreme Court.

The ED's current examination is focused on whether Majithia laundered ₹540 crore of "drug money". Former ED Deputy Director Niranjan Singh has stated that Majithia's conduct in the entire case was "doubtful". Singh recalled that the investigation began as a drug case, and he submitted a status report to the High Court, which was then given to the STF. Based on these reports, the court directed the Punjab government to take action.