02 August 2024

On August 1, 2024, Bharat Bhushan Sharma, also known as Ashu and a former Punjab Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Punjab Tender Scam. The Hon'ble Special Court (PMLA) in Jalandhar granted ED custody of Sharma for five days. 

The ED's investigation, which stemmed from multiple FIRs filed by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau under the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, revealed that Sharma had used shell companies to launder illicit funds and acquire properties under his name and that of his family. Prior search operations conducted on August 24, September 4, and September 6, 2023, at Sharma's and his associates' residences in various Punjab locations resulted in the seizure of cash, frozen bank accounts, and properties, with a total recovery value exceeding Rs. 8.46 Crore.