Majithia skips SIT summons in 2021 drug probe; SAD alleges SC order violation

A senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former Punjab minister did not appear before a Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday in connection with a 2021 synthetic drug trafficking case. Instead of the politician, his legal counsel and an SAD spokesperson appeared before the SIT at the Patiala Police Lines to submit a response and raise objections.

The legal representative alleged that the summons were legally flawed, politically motivated, and issued in contempt of court. According to the defense, the notice was issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which applies to witnesses rather than accused individuals. The defense further claimed the action violated Supreme Court directions that set specific dates in March 2025 for the politician's appearance to conclude the probe, and accused the SIT of leaking the summons to the media.

The underlying case originates from a November 2013 Punjab Police crackdown that dismantled a multi-crore synthetic drug syndicate and led to the arrest of a former police officer and wrestler. The politician was later booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on December 20, 2021, based on a 2018 Special Task Force report. He previously spent over five months in Patiala Central Jail before being granted regular bail by the High Court in August 2022.

Not yet reported: The reports do not specify the final legal outcome of the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings or whether a fresh date for questioning has been officially enforced by the SIT.