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Rs 79 Cr Assets Seized in Water Pollution Money Laundering Case
16 Dec
Summary
- Rs 79.93 crore in assets seized from Punjab company for water pollution.
- Company allegedly injected untreated wastewater into deep aquifers.
- Pollution caused crop losses, cattle deaths, and health problems.
Assets valued at Rs 79.93 crore belonging to Malbros International Pvt Ltd have been attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe. The investigation is linked to an environmental crime involving extensive water pollution, with the seized properties including land, buildings, and machinery.
The Enforcement Directorate's Jalandhar Zonal Office initiated the provisional attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. This action follows a complaint by the Punjab Pollution Control Board, which alleged the company violated environmental laws by injecting untreated industrial wastewater deep into the ground via reverse boring to avoid treatment costs.
Investigators revealed that Malbros International generated illegal profits by consistently discharging untreated effluents into aquifers and onto land, causing irreversible ecological and public health damage. This pollution has reportedly resulted in contaminated groundwater, crop failures, livestock deaths, and severe health problems for nearby villagers, highlighting a critical intersection of environmental crime and financial misconduct.
