Chandigarh, April 1, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau): The Punjab government has reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating drug-related allegations against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia – the fifth such restructuring since the case began in December 2021.
AIG Varun Sharma of Central Jail, Patiala, will now lead the SIT, replacing DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar who had taken charge after Mukhwinder Singh Chhina’s retirement on December 31, 2024.
The investigation has seen multiple leadership changes: The Congress government first formed a three-member SIT under AIG Balraj Singh in December 2021 after registering an FIR against Majithia under NDPS Act. Following AAP’s election victory in March 2022, the team was reconstituted with IG Gursharan Singh Sandhu supervising AIG Rahul S.
Another reshuffle came in May 2023 when IG Mukhwinder Singh Chhina replaced Rahul S, before Bhullar took over in January 2024 post Chhina’s retirement.
Opposition parties have questioned the frequent SIT reconstitutions, alleging they undermine investigative continuity. Majithia maintains his innocence, calling the probe a political witch-hunt.
With the latest change, the AAP government faces renewed scrutiny about its handling of the high-profile case that has dragged on for over three years. Legal experts suggest frequent team changes could complicate establishing evidentiary chains in the sensitive investigation.
The reconstituted SIT under AIG Sharma will now examine whether to file a chargesheet or closure report in the case that has remained a political lightning rod through multiple administrations.
