ED Conducts Major Raid on Drug Controller's Office in Dharamshala Amid Corruption Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate has launched a significant raid at the Dharamshala office of the Additional Drug Controller, Nishant Sareen, as part of a broader investigation into money laundering and corruption. This action follows Sareen's controversial reinstatement despite previous allegations. The BJP has criticized the Congress-led government for allegedly protecting corrupt officials, while opposition leaders demand further investigations. As the ED gathers evidence, more raids and potential arrests are anticipated, raising serious questions about pharmaceutical oversight in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2025, 19:45 IST

Enforcement Directorate Intensifies Investigation

S Gopal Puri

Dharamshala: On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed a significant raid at the office of the Additional Drug Controller in Dharamshala, ramping up its investigation into the controversial officer Nishant Sareen as part of a multi-state money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

This operation, confirmed by officials from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office, is part of a broader crackdown spanning Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

During the raid, ED officials confiscated essential documents, digital devices, and files pertinent to Sareen’s licensing and inspection duties. Sources indicate that this action is a continuation of inquiries that commenced after Sareen's arrest in 2019 by the State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau for alleged corrupt practices during his previous role in Baddi.

Despite his controversial past, Sareen was reinstated and assigned to Dharamshala, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accuses the Congress-led government of protecting corrupt officials.

BJP leader Bikram Thakur stated, “How can someone with such a background be permitted to oversee vital pharmaceutical regulations in the state? This raises significant concerns regarding the government’s motives and integrity.”

The ED's investigation, now expanded due to new evidence, also involves Sareen’s father-in-law, Ramesh Kumar Gupta, and an associate named Komal Khanna. Authorities suspect that Sareen exploited his official role to grant favors to specific pharmaceutical companies and laundered the illicit gains through family-affiliated business networks.

The raid at the Dharamshala office was reportedly thorough, with ED teams examining files related to drug manufacturing licenses, quality inspections, and clearances granted to pharmaceutical entities.

Insiders from the health department disclosed that Sareen had been subjected to several departmental inquiries yet continued to receive prominent postings, allegedly due to political backing. A senior official remarked, “Concerns were raised repeatedly, but actions were either postponed or weakened.”

While the Congress government has yet to comment on the ED's actions, these developments have ignited a new political controversy in the state. Opposition leaders are calling for a CBI investigation and the immediate suspension of Sareen and other officials implicated in the ED's inquiry.

The central agency is anticipated to submit a preliminary report to its Delhi headquarters shortly. Sources suggest that additional raids and arrests may occur as the ED delves deeper into the pharmaceutical inspection and licensing connections in Himachal Pradesh.