The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 70.15 crore and cash lying in bank accounts of contractor Gurinder Singh worth Rs 41.50 crore in a money laundering case related to the Rs 1200 crore irrigation scam in Punjab. Of the properties attached by the ED, 27 properties are located in Chandigarh and other cities of Punjab.
An ED spokesperson said the action was taken on the basis of an FIR registered in the matter and an investigation based on challans for the irrigation scam. This scam happened in the Irrigation Department about 11 years ago.
During that time there was a coalition government of Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP in the state. The scam was unearthed by the Vigilance Bureau in 2017 under the Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh.
Such influence of Gurvinder, tenders were also done according to the conditions
Gurvinder Singh’s influence is also revealed in the investigation of ED.
Such was his coinage that even notices inviting tenders for various irrigation projects in Punjab were prepared keeping in mind the eligibility conditions of Gurinder Singh.
According to an ED spokesperson, several irregularities were also noticed with regard to the allotment and execution of project works with a view to benefit Gurinder Singh, resulting in huge loss to the exchequer. In this regard, ED had started its investigation under the provisions of PMLA.
During the investigation, the ED identified movable assets (in the form of bank balances) owned by Gurinder Singh. Most of the balance was part of the income earned from corruption.
Vigilance started fresh investigation
After the Aam Aadmi Party came to power in Punjab, a fresh investigation into the irrigation scam has now started. At the same time, ED is also investigating at its level. Vigilance has so far interrogated many then ministers and officers. The process of questioning is still going on. These include retired IAS Sarvesh Kaushal, KBS Sidhu and Kahan Singh Pannu.
Akali leaders Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon were questioned and answered. Vigilance investigation is still going on. No one has been named in the case so far. Sources claim that soon some eminent people may be arrested in this case.
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