ADC Nishant Sareen denies graft charges, explains asset seizures in ED raids

Shimla, June 28,

Assistant Drug Controller Nishant Sareen, who was transferred from Dharamshala to the Directorate of Health Safety and Regulation in Shimla on Friday, has strongly denied allegations of corruption, cheating, and forgery leveled against him following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on his properties.

The ED had conducted searches on June 22–23 at seven locations linked to Sareen, his father-in-law Ramesh Kumar Gupta, and associate Dr Komal Khanna, seizing two SUVs, over 60 bottles of liquor, ₹32 lakh in bank deposits, and documents related to property and pharmaceutical firms. These raids were conducted in connection with a 2019 vigilance case registered during Sareen’s previous posting in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

In response, Sareen took to social media and shared his version of the events. He alleged that the raids were prompted by “professional rivalry”, “malafide complaints”, and a “personal vendetta”. He questioned the basis of classifying seized assets as illegal or excessive, stating, “Of the 40 bank accounts frozen, only three are in my name. The remaining belong to my family—my wife, daughter, father-in-law, and cousins. These are not shell accounts.”

Clarifying about the seized vehicles, Sareen said, “They recovered a used Scorpio, not some luxury car. It is ridiculous to label this as lavish or ill-gotten.” He further claimed that no unaccounted cash or gold was found during the searches. “Not a single rupee of unaccounted money was seized from my house,” he said.

Regarding the liquor bottles, Sareen maintained he had a valid permit from the excise department to store them. “Owning liquor with a valid permit is not a crime,” he said.

He emphasized that his assets were either inherited or acquired through documented income sources. Sareen accused his rivals of using “fabricated charges” to target him, and said the ED’s version was misleading.

Meanwhile, health authorities confirmed Sareen’s transfer was approved by the Governor, with instructions to report to Shimla headquarters by Monday. A separate forgery case against Sareen is pending before Haryana’s Economic Offences Wing, with the next hearing slated for July 7.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.