Breaking: Former ED Deputy Director alleges false case against journalist, seeks its dismissal
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, November 10, 2026: Former Enforcement Directorate (ED) Deputy Director Niranjan Singh has alleged that independent journalist Mohinder Pal Loomba has been falsely implicated in a criminal case registered in Moga and called for an impartial investigation, urging authorities to dismiss the case if the allegations against him are found to be baseless.
In a statement shared on social media, Singh expressed concern over Loomba’s arrest in connection with FIR No. 0234/2026, registered on October 14 at Kot Ise Khan police station in Moga district. The FIR reportedly involves allegations of conspiracy with other suspects in the commission of an offence.
Singh claimed that Loomba had been actively highlighting issues relating to crime, alleged corruption involving public servants and politicians, and drug trafficking in Punjab. He also pointed to the journalist’s association with Civil Society Moga, which has organised seminars and protests on various public-interest issues.
Raising questions over the circumstances in which Loomba was named in the case, Singh said there were apprehensions that the action could be intended to discourage him from raising issues concerning crime and drug trafficking.
He urged the police authorities to conduct an evidence-based investigation, without any external influence, and ensure that no innocent person was made to face criminal proceedings. He also cautioned that police officials could face legal consequences and embarrassment if it emerged that an innocent person had been falsely implicated.
Recalling his 35 years of service in the Enforcement Directorate, Singh said he had dealt with influential criminals and politicians but had never allowed pressure from powerful individuals or governments to influence the discharge of his duties.
He appealed to citizens not to be intimidated by such incidents and urged the police to act independently, without pressure from ruling-party politicians or other influential persons.
Civil Society Moga also seeks impartial investigation
Separately, Civil Society Moga has approached the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Moga, seeking an impartial investigation into the same FIR.
In its representation, the organisation has questioned the naming of Loomba in the case, claiming that he was at his dairy in Dusanjh village when the incident reportedly occurred near Shakuntala Nursing Home on Zira Road around 7 pm on October 13.
The organisation has cited CCTV footage from the dairy as evidence to establish his whereabouts and urged investigators to examine the recordings, question relevant witnesses and verify the sequence of events. It has also disputed the alleged conspiracy, claiming there was no prior communication or discussion between Loomba and co-accused Kulwinder Singh Mann, also known as K.S. Mann, regarding the incident.
Civil Society Moga has further referred to an earlier case in which, according to its representation, an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Punjab DGP cleared Loomba of allegations and recommended disciplinary action against the then Station House Officer, Sunita Bawa.
The organisation has demanded that Loomba’s name be removed from the case if the investigation finds no evidence linking him to the alleged offence.
The claims of false implication, the CCTV-based alibi and the earlier SIT findings have been raised by Niranjan Singh and Civil Society Moga, respectively. The police version, response to these allegations and latest status of the investigation were not available at the time of filing this report.