S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: BJP MLA from Una and former state party president Satpal Singh Satti launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government, alleging that corruption under its regime has reached alarming levels. Satti’s statement comes in the wake of significant findings by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the disproportionate assets case against Nishant Sareen, who is currently posted as Assistant Drug Controller (ADC) in Dharamshala.
Citing official ED documents, Satti claimed that incriminating evidence had been seized from seven locations spread across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana — including residential, commercial, and government premises associated with Sareen, his family members, and close associates.
“The ED has found that Sareen’s wife holds a 95% stake in a pharmaceutical company based in Panchkula,” Satti alleged.
“The agency has also seized over 40 bank accounts, three luxury vehicles, fixed deposits, three lockers, and over 60 bottles of liquor from his Chandigarh residence. These facts point towards deep-rooted corruption and the state government’s role in shielding it.”
Satti further revealed that drug vendors and pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kangra, Chamba, and Una — all under Sareen’s jurisdiction — had long been complaining about extortion. He claimed that Sareen allegedly demanded ₹50,000 for license renewals and openly told vendors that he paid ₹30 lakh to secure his posting in Dharamshala and had to send ₹5 lakh monthly to leaders in Una and Shimla.
Despite raising the matter in the Assembly and demanding an investigation, Satti said, “The government remained indifferent, exposing its insensitivity and possible complicity.”
Quoting a 2013 High Court order, which restricts the posting of tainted officers on sensitive positions without prior Chief Ministerial approval, Satti questioned the legality of Sareen’s appointment. “Why did the government ignore judicial directions and appoint an officer previously arrested for corruption to such a key role?” he asked.
He warned that more revelations could surface as the ED probe progresses and demanded to know: “Who are the Congress leaders receiving the alleged ₹30 lakh and ₹5 lakh monthly cuts? This must be investigated thoroughly.”
Taking a broader view, Satti said the state’s administrative failures — from the Vimal Negi case to the growing drug menace — show that both governance and law enforcement have collapsed under the current regime.
“Himachal is known for its honesty and simplicity,” Satti concluded. “But under the Congress government, corruption is being institutionalized, and Himachalis are paying the price.”
