The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into Nishant Sareen, an Assistant Drug Controller (ADC) in Himachal Pradesh, on suspicion of favouring pharmaceutical companies in exchange for bribes and benefiting from political patronage. As part of the money-laundering probe, the ED has frozen over 40 bank accounts and fixed deposits belonging to Sareen and his family—marking a significant escalation in action against alleged corruption within public office.

Investigators are scrutinising Sareen’s financial dealings and connections, seeking to determine how deep the alleged irregularities go and whether there was support from political networks. The probe traces back to a previous 2019 case where he was arrested and later reinstated—now being re-examined under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) .

The investigation covers alleged favouritism toward pharma firms, political backing, and misuse of office.

Ninety accounts—including fixed deposits—have been frozen by the ED.

Searches were also conducted at properties in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab linked to Sareen, his father-in-law, and an associate.

This move signals a forceful stance by central agencies against bureaucratic corruption, especially where public office intersects with corporate interests and political influence.

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