Vehicles worth Rs 32 lakh, jewellery worth Rs 65 lakh, Rs 2.23 crore seized in 48 bank accounts, ED arrests Assistant Drug Controller:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Uncovering a major corruption case in Himachal Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nishant Sarin, currently posted as Assistant Drug Controller (Headquarters), Directorate of Health and Safety Regulation, Himachal Pradesh. This arrest was made under the PMLA. Let's explore the entire matter.

What is the whole matter?

The ED investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB). Nishant Sareen is accused of amassing substantial wealth by accepting bribes from pharmaceutical companies as a drug inspector and later as an assistant drug controller. The Himachal Pradesh Police Vigilance Department had previously filed a case against Nishant Sareen and his associate Komal Khanna for corruption, forgery, fraud, and conspiracy. The two are also accused of forging the partnership deed of Zhenia Pharmaceuticals (Panchkula). It was reported that Komal Khanna's share was forcibly increased from 50% to 95%, and Nishant Sareen's role in this was revealed.

What was found in the raid?

Additionally, on September 23, 2025, the Shimla Vigilance Department registered another FIR alleging that Nishant Sareen amassed illegal assets worth ₹1.66 crore, far in excess of his legitimate income. The ED conducted raids at several locations in June and July 2025. Two vehicles worth approximately ₹3.2 million, gold jewelry worth ₹6.5 million, and ₹2.23 million deposited in 48 bank accounts/FDRs were seized/frozen.

What did the investigation reveal?

The investigation revealed that Nishant Sareen, by receiving personal benefits and bribes from pharmaceutical companies, led a lavish lifestyle and purchased benami properties. Following his arrest, Nishant Sareen was produced before the Special PMLA Court in Shimla. The court remanded him to ED custody until October 14, 2025.