Former Punjab SSP, SP Sentenced to 5 Years in 2007 Moga Sex Scandal Case

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Chandigarh, April 7, 2025 — In a significant verdict in the 18-year-old 2007 Moga Sex Scandal Case, a CBI court in Patiala on Monday sentenced two former senior Punjab Police officers—Devinder Singh Garcha, former SSP of Moga, and Paramdip Singh Sandhu, then SP (Headquarters)—to five years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹2 lakh each under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988.

2007 Moga Sex Scandal Case: Detailed Sentencing

• Inspector Amarjit Singh: 6.5 years of rigorous imprisonment, ₹2.5 lakh fine.
• Sub-Inspector Raman Kumar: 8 years of rigorous imprisonment, ₹3 lakh fine. Convicted of extortion, while Amarjit Singh was found guilty of attempted extortion.

The court found the officers guilty of extorting money from affluent youths by falsely implicating them in flesh trade cases, with the help of two women. The scandal had rocked Punjab in 2007, grabbing national headlines due to the alleged involvement of politicians and senior police officials.

Acquittals and Witness Issues:

• Barjinder Singh alias Makhan, son of a former SAD minister, and Sukhraj Singh were acquitted of all charges on March 29, 2025.
• A minor girl, initially pardoned and made an approver, turned hostile during trial proceedings.
• Manjit Kaur, another key witness, passed away during the prolonged court battle.

Background of the Case:

The case was transferred to the CBI in December 2007 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed concern over the influence wielded by senior police officials and political leaders. The accused officers allegedly accepted illegal gratification to alter witness statements, helping the wealthy accused escape legal action.

In 2012, charges were framed under several IPC sections (120B, 182, 195, 211, 384) and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act (7, 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d)).

Post-Retirement Positions and Dismissals:

Garcha and Sandhu both went on to serve as AIGs before retiring from active duty. In contrast, Amarjit Singh and Raman Kumar were dismissed from service following their involvement in the scandal.

This landmark judgment serves as a strong reminder that no one is above the law. The conviction of high-ranking police officials underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement. With the final sentencing in place, the curtain falls on one of Punjab’s most controversial and high-profile corruption cases.