Bikram Majithia (File photo)

CHANDIGARH: Refusing bail to Shiromani Akali Dal veteran Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, Punjab and Haryana HC said material unearthed so far indicates “serious economic offences” and his release may hamper the probe.“Majithia is one of the prominent political figures of the state… In case he is released at this stage, possibility of his influencing investigation or manipulating records cannot be ruled out,” HC observed.Rejecting Majithia’s argument that the vigilance bureau had not followed correct procedure in lodging the FIR, Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya ruled there is no bar on registering a fresh case if new facts point to a larger conspiracy involving disproportionate assets and use of ill-gotten money. It cannot be termed mala fide or sheer political vendetta, the court said.HC noted that economic offences form a separate class and require stricter scrutiny at the bail stage. However, it directed the agency to complete the probe within three months, after which Majithia may seek bail.