Punjab Police releases details why Sukhpal Khaira has been arrested
Chandigarh, September 28, 2023: Punjab Police has released details on why Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira has been arrested today.
Read detailed note released by Police:
Arrest Details: Punjab Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has been arrested by Punjab Police for his accused involvement in a drug smuggling network and money laundering.
Origins of the Case: There are two case originated in 2015 with the unearthing of a cross-border drug smuggling network in Fazilka, Punjab, leading to the seizure of heroin, gold biscuits, weapons, cartridges, and Pakistani SIM cards and the second of a fake passport racket being run in Delhi.
Sentencing of Smugglers: Nine smugglers, including Gurdev Singh, Manjit Singh, Harbans Singh, and Subhash Chander, were sentenced in October 2017 in connection with the Fazilka case. As per chargsheet, Khaira was closely associated with Gurdev Singh, the leader of the Fazilka drug smuggling racket, and is accused of having sheltered him.
Main Accusations: The primary accusations against Khaira include supporting an international gang of smugglers, having sheltered him and receiving financial benefits from drug traffickers, and enjoying the proceeds of crime.
Financial Discrepancies: Between 2014 and 2020, Khaira reportedly spent over ₹6.5 crore on himself and family members, with expenses exceeding his declared income.
Charge Sheet Filed: The Investigation Agency has filed a charge sheet against Khaira for laundering money in the 2017 Fazilka drug smuggling racket.
Unexplained Cash Deposits: Investigations reveal substantial unexplained cash deposits in Khaira and his family members’ bank accounts over the years.
Accused Contact with Traffickers: The Investigation Agency accuses Khaira of maintaining contact with drug traffickers and receiving funds from them.
Use of Funds: According to the charge sheet, the funds received were allegedly used for purchasing properties,