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Punjab Vigilance Bureau detains key aide Mahesh Makhija in Jalandhar MLA corruption probe

Seized records from Makhija’s home detail properties allegedly purchased with corrupt proceeds that were registered under his name.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Mahesh Makhija (centre), an aide of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Raman Arora, on Friday night. (HT Photo)
The accused has been identified as Harpreet Kaur, who was allegedly handed over a hefty bribe amount, on the MLA’s directions, to clear alleged anomalies in a complainant’s bakery building. (HT File)
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Overview

  • Makhija was arrested Friday night at a relative’s factory in Phagwara and granted a four-day custodial remand by a local court.
  • The action follows MLA Raman Arora’s May 23 arrest on extortion and bribery charges linked to Jalandhar Municipal Corporation dealings.
  • Investigators recovered incriminating documents during searches of both Makhija’s and Arora’s residences and are reviewing CCTV footage to trace alleged benami property transfers.
  • Prosecutors allege Arora and municipal official Sukhdev Vashisht exploited violation notices to extort builders and property owners in exchange for bribes.
  • Municipal inspector Harpreet Kaur has also been arrested for allegedly receiving bribes from Arora’s network to clear building anomalies.