Bribery and Political Patronage: ED Raids Himachal ADC

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday executed a series of searches in connection with a money laundering probe involving Himachal Pradesh-based Assistant Drug Controller (ADC) Nishant Sareen. The action targets Sareen, his family, and associates regarding alleged bribery and political backing.

Searches took place across five premises in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, focusing on Sareen's alleged misuse of his position both in Baddi and in his current role in Dharamshala. The ED is investigating the generation of illicit funds linked to Sareen's activities.

The money laundering case, rooted in an August 2019 FIR by the State Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau, led to Sareen's arrest in September 2019. He faced bribery allegations from companies in Baddi, a major pharmaceutical hub, and was later released on bail.

(With inputs from agencies.)