In a significant development, former deputy chief minister OP Soni has been arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on allegations of involvement in a disproportionate assets case.
The arrest was carried out by officials of the VB on Sunday, marking a significant step in the ongoing investigation. According to an official spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, a case has been registered against OP Soni at the VB Police Station in the Amritsar Range:
“A case has been registered under sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station VB, Amritsar Range, against OP Soni following investigations in the inquiry, which was ordered on October 10, 2022.”
During the course of the investigation, it has been revealed that between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022, the income of OP Soni and his family amounted to ₹4,52,18,771.
However, their expenditures during the same period were reported to be ₹12,4842,692, which indicates a substantial difference. In fact, their expenditures exceeded their known sources of income by an alarming ₹7,96,23,912, equivalent to 176.08%:
BREAKING
Big Action against Corruption of Congress in Punjab
Vigilance Bureau has arrested Former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni in a disproportionate assets case.
Probe finds accused OP Soni spent over Rs 7.96 Crore above his known sources of income.
Congress looted Punjab
— AAP Ka Mehta 🇮🇳 (@DaaruBaazMehta) July 9, 2023
Moreover, it has been alleged that OP Soni acquired properties in the name of his wife, Suman Soni, and his son, Raghav Soni, during his tenure as deputy chief minister.
These findings have raised concerns regarding the accumulation of disproportionate assets and have prompted the authorities to take swift action. While OP Soni’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, the spokesperson emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing.
Latest news updates:
- Heavy Rainfall, Floods, and Landslides In Northern Regions of India, Schools Closed!!
- Rahul Gandhi’s Defamation Conviction Upheld: A Blow to Congress Party
- Aam Aadmi Party protests burn Government Services Ordinance in national capital
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau is actively pursuing further leads and evidence to gather a comprehensive understanding of the alleged disproportionate assets and any associated wrongdoing.
As the case progresses, it will be crucial for the authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, adhering to the principles of justice and transparency. The arrest of a former deputy chief minister underscores the commitment of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to combating corruption and holding public officials accountable for their actions:
Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni for amassing assets disproportionately to his known sources of income during the period of 2016 to 2022: Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/JDQfXrmHWW
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2023
