Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar Calls for Chief Justice–Monitored Probe Into Sudden Rise in Assets of Punjab MLAs; Seeks Tracking of Drug Money Trail
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the state government to order a high-level, court-monitored investigation into the rapid surge in assets of several Punjab MLAs. Jakhar has alleged that many legislators, who “once travelled on bicycles,” are now owners of luxury cars worth crores and lavish farmhouses, raising serious concerns about the possible link between political wealth accumulation and the state’s drug trade.
In his letter, Jakhar demanded that the probe be placed under the direct supervision of Punjab & Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, asserting that only an impartial investigation—free from political influence—can uncover the “mighty and powerful” end beneficiaries of Punjab’s narcotics economy.
Highlighting the large-scale money laundering suspected in these unexplained increases in wealth, Jakhar recommended involving agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or any other investigative body deemed fit by the Chief Justice. The inquiry, he said, should cover ministers, MLAs, party presidents, party in-charges, and leaders across political parties, ensuring no individual or party is exempt from scrutiny.
Jakhar stressed that the mere filing of income-tax returns does not justify the sudden spike in assets. Offering himself as a mark of transparency and sincerity, he volunteered to be the first to undergo such an investigation.
Reiterating the need to keep the judiciary and executive independent, Jakhar urged the Chief Minister to formally request the Chief Justice’s intervention. He emphasized that the probe must trace the flow of illicit money not only from drug trafficking but also from illegal mining activities, including sand mining, both of which he said fuel Punjab’s parallel illegal economy.
Calling for urgent action, Jakhar said only a credible, transparent, and court-monitored investigation can restore public trust and demonstrate the government’s commitment to dismantling Punjab’s entrenched networks of illegal money.
