In a massive development, Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) filed a detailed chargesheet in court against Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora, along with co-accused Mahesh Makhija and Harpreet Kaur, in connection with a high-profile corruption and extortion case.
Vigilance Bureau officials confirmed that several names have been mentioned in the document, including Dr. Mahesh Joshi of Joshi Hospital, the owner of Laali Infosys, and Gullu Councillor, in list of multiple witnesses.
SSP Vigilance Harpreet Mander confirmed to True Scoop that chargesheet against Raman Arora has been filed.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that while the Disproportionate Assets (DA) component of the case has not yet been included in the current chargesheet, a separate inquiry is underway regarding that angle.
"The chargesheet filed is strong enough to ensure conviction if pursued properly in court," a source familiar with the case informed True Scoop.
The chargesheet alleges that Raman Arora misused his political position to run an extortion network, where violation notices were issued to builders and then allegedly resolved in exchange for bribes.
The accused reportedly exploited the fear of enforcement agencies like the Vigilance Bureau and the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) to extract money from local developers and businesses.
Also named in the case are ATP Sukhdev Vashisht, Arora relative Raju Madan, and commission agent Mahesh Makhija, who were reportedly part of a wider extortion racket.
According to the VB, builders were directed to meet Arora directly for “settlements”.
As per reports, property dealer Neeraj Jindal has testified that he had bought a house from Rajesh, but Rajesh himself was kept as a tenant. However, people associated with politics instigated Rajesh, and a false complaint was lodged against Jindal with the CIA staff on October 30, 2023.
When his friend spoke to MLA Arora about this, the MLA called Jindal. The MLA said that the CIA staff was about to file a case. Scared, Jindal paid Rs 2 lakh, but received no help.
Another witness in the case, Ashok Kumar, a resident of Radio Colony, informed Vigilance Bureau that he operates Super Cremica Sweets near Company Bagh Chowk. Raman Arora, after becoming an MLA in 2022, began to harass him.
In Sheikhan Bazar, near the Bala Ji Temple, Arora met him and threatened him, saying, "You did not support me in the election; you will see the consequences." Ashok explained that Arora would send traffic police to his shop or dispatch food inspectors to harass him.
When Ashok met Arora outside his office, he pleaded with folded hands, stating, "I am a businessman; please don't harass me." At that time, he reportedly paid Rs 1.50 lakh.
Despite this, Arora allegedly continued to pressure him, demanding goods worth approximately Rs 50,000 every month under the guise of various functions and events.
On the other hand, Dr. Mukesh Joshi, owner of Joshi Hospital, presented evidence to the Vigilance Bureau against the MLA. The MLA allegedly extorted Rs 10 lakh as a bribe from Dr. Joshi through coercion and threats. After that, he reportedly demanded more money. When Dr. Joshi refused to pay, a false case was registered against him.
A few days later, the MLA called him again and said that Rajesh would vacate the house and Jindal would have to pay Rs 5 lakh. The deal was eventually settled for Rs 4 lakh. Neeraj paid the money to Shivam, a man sent by the MLA, in two installments.
Raman Arora, arrested on May 23, 2025, is currently lodged in jail. His son Rajan Arora, also named in the case. He was recently granted interim bail until September 24 by the High Court and has been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation.