Bhola drug racket: High court confirms bails of Phillaur, Avinash Chander

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday confirmed anticipatory bails of former Akali minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur, his son Damanvir Singh and former chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) Avinash Chander in the Bhola drug racket case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Earlier, the high court granted them interim protection against arrest in December 2017 after they were denied bail by a special Mohali court. They had argued that charges had already been framed against them. Hence, there would be no need for the enforcement directorate for their custodial interrogation.

A Mohali court on October 10 framed charges against Phillaur, his son Avinash Chander under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). If convicted they may face jail term of up to 12 years.

The ED has attached properties of Phillaur worth ₹14.37 lakh in connection with the case, besides those owned by his son worth ₹4.72 crore.

It also attached Avinash Chander’s properties worth ₹55.45 lakh. Phillaur resigned as tourism and jails minister from the Akali government in April 2014 after his son Damanvir’s name cropped up in the Bhola drug case. A detailed order is awaited. HTC

THE HIGH COURT HAD EARLIER GRANTED THEM INTERIM PROTECTION AGAINST ARREST IN DECEMBER 2017