Himachal: Assistant Drug Controller arrested in disproportionate assets case

Himachal Pradesh: The Shimla-based Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nishant Sareen, Assistant Drug Controller in the Health Safety and Regulation Department, in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The ED arrested him after summoning him for questioning. In June this year, the Chandigarh-based ED conducted extensive searches at seven residential, commercial, and government premises in Haryana and Punjab linked to the accused, his family members, and associates. These searches were part of an investigation into allegations that Sareen misused his official position for personal gain, corruption, and bribery during his tenure as Assistant Drug Controller in Baddi.
During the raids, the ED seized numerous documents related to drug licenses, drug approvals, property papers, and digital devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and pen drives. The agency also seized two vehicles worth approximately ₹32 lakh, over 40 bank accounts/fixed deposits, and three lockers. The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously registered a disproportionate assets case against Sareen. The FIR alleged receiving undue favors from pharmaceutical companies. The investigation revealed that between April 1, 2002, and August 21, 2019, Sareen had acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income by 53.70 percent. The total value of these assets was estimated at ₹2,50,19,322, of which assets worth ₹1,66,05,470 were considered disproportionate to his income. Since 2019, Sareen allegedly continued to acquire properties at several locations, including Omaxe in Chandigarh, necessitating further investigation.