HC orders CBI to conduct preliminary probe into corruption charges against DSP Vavinder Mahajan
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate a preliminary investigation into allegations of bribery against Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vavinder Mahajan, who is accused of accepting substantial bribes from a pharmaceutical company involved in a major drug racket.
DSP Vavinder Mahajan himself filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today, requesting a CBI investigation into the matter. He claimed that he had earlier exposed the drug racket, but was now being implicated. DSP Mahajan sought necessity for an impartial inquiry, stating that he should not be victimised for his efforts in uncovering the illicit activities.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court acknowledged the severity of the drug racket in Punjab and asked the CBI to conduct a thorough preliminary investigation. The CBI reported that they faced staff shortages, following which the court ordered the Punjab Government to provide necessary personnel to assist in the inquiry.
The court also stipulated that the CBI must complete the preliminary investigation and submit a report within four months, during which time no action will be taken against DSP Mahajan. He has been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Punjab Police, which had been investigating the case, has been directed to cease its inquiry, transferring the responsibility entirely to the CBI.
DSP Vavinder Mahajan's petition stated that he was instrumental in exposing the drug trafficking network, which allegedly sourced drugs from Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra into Punjab. It has been reported that a pharmaceutical company based in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, was involved in the illegal supply of millions of capsules into Punjab. A total of 300 FIRs related to these activities have been filed, with allegations suggesting that Mahajan is being framed due to the connections these companies have with influential politicians.
Notably, allegations against DSP Vavinder Mahajan and an accomplice indicate they accepted bribes from pharmaceutical manufacturers, with one claim stating that Mahajan allegedly received Rs 45 lakh to protect a company from prosecution under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Following a raid conducted by the STF at Mahajan's residence, he has been evading arrest.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has mandated that the CBI's investigation report be presented by February 21.
- PTC NEWS
