Provisional attachment under PMLA; probe uncovers bribery, corruption, forgery, and disproportionate assets
Shimla: The Shimla Sub-Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached two immovable properties worth approximately Rs. 2.58 crore on 2 December 2025. The properties belong to Nishant Sareen, Assistant Drug Controller, Himachal Pradesh, and his associate Komal Khanna. The attached assets include a residential flat in Sector-20, Panchkula, Haryana, and a residential building in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
ED’s investigation was initiated based on FIRs filed by the State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), Himachal Pradesh Police, citing offenses under Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Subsequently, Nishant Sareen was arrested by SV&ACB, and a chargesheet was filed in 2021 against him and Komal Khanna.
FIRs Reveal Corruption and Forgery
In 2022, Haryana Police registered another FIR against Nishant Sareen, Komal Khanna, and others in connection with alleged extortion, threat, and forgery of the partnership deed of Zhenia Pharmaceuticals, Panchkula. The FIR noted that Komal Khanna’s ownership share was increased from 50% to 95%, highlighting misuse of official authority.
Additionally, FIR No. 08/2025 dated 23.09.2025 was registered by SV&ACB Himachal Pradesh regarding disproportionate assets, alleging that Nishant Sareen acquired assets worth Rs. 1.66 crore while serving as Drug Inspector/Assistant Drug Controller in Himachal Pradesh.
Investigation Uncovers Misuse of Office and Illicit Gains
ED’s probe revealed that Nishant Sareen, during postings in Nahan, Baddi, Solan, misused his position to extract illegal gratification from pharmaceutical companies and distributors.
Investigators also found that under intimidation and threat, several pharmaceutical firms were coerced to conduct business at significant losses with Zhenia Pharmaceuticals and Nia Pharma, Panchkula, entities controlled by Komal Khanna.
The proceeds of crime generated from these activities were channeled into personal assets, bank deposits, and immovable properties held in the names of Komal Khanna and Nishant Sareen’s family members.
Previous Searches and Seizures
In June 2025, ED had conducted search operations in connection with the case, seizing incriminating records, jewelry, vehicles, and bank balances worth approximately Rs. 3.20 crore. With the latest provisional attachment, the total asset seizure/attachment now stands at Rs. 5.78 crore.
Nishant Sareen, found guilty of money laundering, was arrested by ED on 9 October 2025 and is currently in judicial custody.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Oversight
ED officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing, focusing on a detailed analysis of financial transactions, immovable and movable assets, and related evidence. Officials emphasized that this operation sends a strong message against corruption, misuse of office, and acquisition of disproportionate assets.
The agency also cautioned that any engagement in illegal enrichment or abuse of public office may result in serious legal consequences.
This case underscores that the ED continues to maintain strict vigilance against corruption and money laundering, ensuring that public officials and associates cannot exploit official positions for personal gain.
