ED Seizes Rs 78.15 Lakh in Raids on Malbros International Pvt Ltd for Environmental Crime
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 78.15 lakh during raids conducted at seven locations in Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. These raids were related to liquor company Malbros International Pvt Ltd and premises linked to its former Director Gautam Malhotra in a money laundering investigation connected to environmental crime.
The raids, carried out on July 16, also led to the seizure of digital devices and incriminating documents. These actions were taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED initiated the investigation based on a criminal complaint filed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ferozepur. The complaint was against Malbros International Pvt Ltd for violating various sections of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, by contaminating soil and groundwater around its factory premises.
The investigation revealed that the company discharged industrial waste into bore-wells illicitly installed on its premises, leading to soil and water contamination. This contamination posed a public health risk and caused cattle deaths in the surrounding areas. The ED also found that money generated through this environmental crime was used for the company’s business activities. The money trail will be further investigated.
Doubts Revealed
ED -: ED stands for Enforcement Directorate. It is a government agency in India that investigates financial crimes like money laundering.
Rs 78.15 Lakh -: Rs 78.15 Lakh means 7,815,000 Indian Rupees. It’s a large amount of money.
Raids -: Raids are sudden visits by police or other officials to search for illegal activities or items.
Malbros International Pvt Ltd -: Malbros International Pvt Ltd is a private company in India. In this case, it is involved in an investigation for environmental crimes.
Environmental Crime -: Environmental crime refers to illegal activities that harm the environment, like polluting water or soil.
Unaccounted Cash -: Unaccounted cash is money that is not recorded in official financial records, often linked to illegal activities.
Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh -: These are states in India where the raids took place. Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are states, and Delhi is the capital city of India.
Former Director Gautam Malhotra -: Gautam Malhotra used to be a director at Malbros International Pvt Ltd. He is involved in the investigation.
Money Laundering -: Money laundering is the process of making illegally-gained money appear legal. It is a serious crime.
Industrial Waste -: Industrial waste is unwanted or leftover material from factories. It can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Contaminating Soil and Groundwater -: Contaminating soil and groundwater means making them dirty or unsafe, often due to harmful chemicals or waste.
Health Risks -: Health risks are dangers to people’s health, like getting sick from polluted water or air.
Cattle Deaths -: Cattle deaths refer to cows or other farm animals dying, often due to eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Digital Devices -: Digital devices are electronic gadgets like computers, phones, or tablets that can store information.
Incriminating Documents -: Incriminating documents are papers or files that show someone has done something illegal.
