The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a sweeping crackdown on Assistant Drug Controller (ADC) Nishant Sareen, conducting raids across Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab on June 22 and 23 as part of a money laundering investigation.
The searches, spanning seven locations including Sareen’s residence, commercial properties, and a government office, stem from allegations of bribery, corruption, and abuse of power during his tenure in Baddi—India’s pharmaceutical hub. The probe is based on an FIR filed by the Himachal Pradesh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Sareen, previously arrested and charge-sheeted alongside associate Komal Khanna, was reinstated in Dharamshala in September 2024 after securing bail. He also faces a separate 2022 FIR in Haryana for alleged forgery of a pharmaceutical partnership deed and intimidation, further implicating him in misuse of official authority.
During the raids, the ED seized incriminating documents, including drug licenses and property records, along with digital devices. Authorities also froze over 40 bank accounts and fixed deposits, seized two vehicles worth ₹32 lakh, and secured three bank lockers. Notably, more than 60 unaccounted liquor bottles were discovered at Sareen’s New Chandigarh residence.
Fresh extortion complaints and suspected financial ties between Sareen’s family and pharmaceutical firms are now under ED scrutiny. The investigation remains active, with further action expected based on the evidence collected.