ED arrests Himachal Assistant Drug Controller in corruption case

Written By : Ruchika Sharma Published On 2025-10-13T14:47:47+05:30 | Updated On 13 Oct 2025 2:47 PM IST

Racket manufacturing fake medicines busted, factory owner held

Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Shimla Sub Zonal Office has arrested Nishant Sareen, currently posted as Assistant Drug Controller (HQ), Directorate of Health and Safety Regulation, Himachal Pradesh under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 in connection with an investigation related to corruption, forgery, cheating, accumulation of disproportionate assets and criminal conspiracy.

ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Himachal Pradesh Police under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Nishant Sareen, then Assistant Drug Controller (ADC), Baddi.

Subsequently, he was arrested by SV&ACB, HP Police and was charge-sheeted along with his associate Komal Khanna.

Another FIR No. 215/2022 dated 29.10.2022 was registered against Nishant Sareen and others by Panchkula Police, Haryana in a case related to alleged forgery of partnership deed of Zhenia Pharmaceuticals, Panchkula wherein it was alleged that Komal Khanna’s share in the said firm was increased from 50% to 95% through deceitful means and threat made by Nishant Sareen and Komal Khanna.

Subsequently, one more FIR No. 08/2025 dated 23.09.2025 was registered under section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by SV&ACB, Shimla against Nishant Sareen for accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income to the tune of Rs. 1.66 Crore (approx.) during the check period 01.04.2002 to 21.08.2019 while Nishant Sareen was posted as drug inspector / Assistant Drug Controller in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

ED investigation has revealed that Nishant Sareen, while serving as a Drug Inspector and subsequently as an ADC in the Government of Himachal Pradesh has misused his official position for obtaining personal favours/bribes from various individuals in the management/ownership of pharmaceutical companies located within his jurisdiction in Himachal Pradesh.

As a result of the aforesaid activities, Nishant Sareen has generated illicit proceeds derived from the commission of scheduled offences, including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as well as offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and utilized the same for leading a luxurious life and for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Earlier in this case, ED had also conducted search operations in the month of June and July 2025 in which two vehicles worth approx. 32 Lakh, gold ornaments/ jewelry worth approx. Rs. 65 Lakh, 48 bank accounts/FDRs having a balance of Rs. 2.23 Crore belonging to Nishant Sareen and entities related to him and his family members were seized/ frozen.

Nishant Sareen was produced before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Shimla and the Hon’ble Court was pleased to grant his ED custody till 14.10.2025. Further investigation is under progress.

Directorate of EnforcementNishant SareenZhenia Pharma

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751