Former ADC Kuldeep Singh and one other arrested by ED in Pathankot land case
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested former ADC Kuldeep Singh and businessman Nipun Mahajan in connection with handing over around 92 acres of shamlat land in Bhattian village of Pathankot to private hands. This action has been taken under an investigation into alleged money laundering and illegal mining.
The Jalandhar zonal office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Additional Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Singh on charges of illegally handing over shamlat land in Pathankot to private individuals. The agency has also taken Nipun Mahajan, who runs a crusher business, into custody.
This investigation is linked to 734 kanals and 1 marla of land located in village Bhattian, under gram panchayat Gol in Pathankot district. Situated near the Ravi river and close to the Pakistan border, this land contains large quantities of sand and other minerals.
It is alleged that when Kuldeep Singh was looking after the work of ADC (Development) while serving as District Development and Panchayat Officer, he pronounced a decision favoring private parties on 27 February 2023, just a day before his retirement.
Amritsar Vigilance had registered a case in this regard against the former officer and other persons on 9 August 2023 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and sections of cheating. Based on the FIR registered by Vigilance, the ED initiated a money laundering probe, which was later linked to illegal sand mining.
During the investigation, the agency conducted raids at 16 locations. During that operation, unaccounted cash of Rs 1.75 crore was seized and Rs 91.34 lakh deposited in 31 different bank accounts was sealed.
According to the agency, documents related to Shri Sai Stone Crusher and Shiv Shankar Stone Crusher were also recovered during the searches. The investigation has also revealed that a stone crusher firm had allegedly sent Rs 20.70 lakh to the account of the retired officer's wife.
Nothing has yet been proved in court.
Key developments
- Former ADC Kuldeep Singh and crusher businessman Nipun Mahajan arrested by ED
- Allegations of handing over about 92 acres of common land in Bhattian village of Pathankot to private individuals
- Officer issued orders on 27 February 2023, a day before his retirement
- ED started investigation into money laundering and illegal mining following the Vigilance case
