Drug controller gets 3-year jail, Rs 7L fine for amassing illicit wealth including silver artefacts, liquor

The case, investigated by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), began in 2012 following multiple complaints of corruption against Dhiman during his tenure as a drug inspector and assistant controller in Solan and Sirmaur districts.

An FIR was registered on December 14, 2012, alleging that Dhiman amassed disproportionate assets, issued improper pharmaceutical licenses, and accepted bribes between 2001 and 2012. He was arrested two days later and suspended on December 19, 2012. Despite his suspension, Dhiman retired from service in June 2023.

Also Read: Maha: Drug Inspector, Others Arrested for taking Rs 1 Lakh Bribe

The investigation revealed a massive accumulation of assets, including a three-story building in Mandi valued at Rs 15.26 lakh, a fixed deposit worth Rs 14.66 lakh in Punit Dhiman’s name, and property worth Rs 35 lakh in Amarawati Enclave, Panchkula. Dhiman also owned flats in Solan and Panchkula, a commercial plot in Deonghat, and a brewery property in Surajpur.

Additional luxury assets included vehicles, motorcycles, gold jewelry, silver, and expensive artifacts. Dhiman also co-founded a pharmaceutical company, Lyra Lab Pvt Ltd, in Baddi, involving his nephew, with properties registered under his father’s name in Panchkula and Mandi.

The Tribune reports that the court noted the gravity of Dhiman’s actions, which included exploiting his official position to amass illegal wealth. However, three co-accused individuals, Dharmender Gulati, Sanjeev Aggarwal, and Sushil Goyal were acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them to the conspiracy.