ED’s ‘Operation Dhappa’: Ex-MLA Accused of ₹500 Crore Money Laundering Spotted in Hotel Bar

On Saturday, the Enforcement Directorate acted on a specific tip that Dharam Singh Chhoker was seen in the bar of the famous Shangri-La Hotel in New Delhi. A special operation, codenamed ‘Dhappa’, led to the arrest of the Congress leader and former legislator who served the Samalkha constituency in the Panipat district of Haryana.

According to ED sources, Chhoker attempted to escape the scene but was apprehended in a dramatic series of events.

The ED is currently investigating several companies, including Sai Aaina Farms Private Limited and Mahira Homes, for offenses related to cheating, fraud, and the misappropriation of funds. Approximately 1,500 investors had put their money in these firms, seeking to secure residential flats under the Deen Dayal Awas Yojana scheme.
The funds, amounting to around ₹500 crore, were allegedly misappropriated, prompting the ED to initiate a money laundering case against the former MLA and his son Sikandar Singh Chhoker, who was detained on April 30.

Both Dharam Singh and Sikandar continuously avoided ED summons for questioning. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a non-bailable warrant for the father, which he failed to comply with.

In a manner similar to Dharam Singh’s dramatic arrest at the Shangri-La, Sikandar was captured in Haridwar just as he was about to take a holy dip in the Ganges, followed by religious rituals.

Dharam Singh Chhoker is regarded as a significant figure in state politics and is believed to have close ties with senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

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