Congress leader and Punjab's former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni has been arrested in a disproportionate assets case by the state Vigilance Department. Mr Soni was arrested from Chandigarh, and now he is being taken to Amritsar, where he will be produced in court tomorrow.
A spokesperson of the department said there was a disproportionate increase in assets of the former minister between 2016 and 2022 --
when the Congress was in power in the state.
An inquiry was ordered in this matter on October 10, 2022.
Sources in the investigative agency said between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2022, the income of the former Deputy Chief Minister and his family was 4.5 crores, while he spent 12.5 crores.
In this period, OP Soni also created property in the name of his wife Suman Soni and son Raghav Soni.
A First Information Report has been registered under Sections 13 (1) (b) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act following investigations, a spokesperson of the agency said in Chandigarh.
The arrest of the Congress leader comes amid the anti-corruption campaign launched by Aam Aadmi Party Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
It is likely to add to the rift between AAP and the Congress at a time the opposition is trying to stitch up a common front to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections.
After Mr Soni's arrest, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring tweeted:
OP Soni is a five-time MLA from Amritsar who lost the seat last year, when AAP swept the election. In 2021, Captain Amarinder Singh was removed and Charanjit Singh Channi was made the Chief Minister, while OP Soni was made the Deputy Chief Minister.
Featured Video Of The Day
Full List Of Veteran India Stars Who Can Be Retained As 'Uncapped' Ahead Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction On CCTV, Punjab Woman Blocks Door With All Her Might, Sends Robbers Fleeing Explained: What Is Leptospirosis, Rare Disease Affecting Bhagwant Mann "If Donald Trump Doesn't Win....": Elon Musk Joins Ex US President On Stage Highlights - Congress Comeback In Haryana, Hung Verdict In J&K: Poll Of Exit Polls On Camera, Sleeping Delhi Man Beaten For "Don't Urinate In Public" Request Punjab AAP Leader Shot At During Argument With Akali Leader, Hospitalised On Camera, Delhi Man Suffers Heart Attack During Ramleela Performance, Dies "It's Amazing": New Lung Cancer Treatment Shows 40% Improved Efficacy Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.