The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive searches on Tuesday targeting a Punjab-based liquor company, Malbros International Pvt. Ltd., as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged environmental violations in Ferozepur district. The companys and its owners properties Deep and Gautam Malhotras were the target of the seven raid sites that were spread throughout Punjab Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
Malbros International Pvt. Ltd., a part of the Oasis Group, is accused of polluting soil and groundwater in Zira Tehsil, Ferozepur, by improperly disposing of industrial effluents through borewells. According to the ED this spill contaminated soil and water up to four kilometers away from the factory.
This issue came to light in Parliament, prompting inspections by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Central Ground Water Board, which confirmed multiple environmental violations at the factory. Subsequently, the Punjab Pollution Control Board filed a criminal complaint against the company for breaches of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1974. Local farmers and residents from affected villages have also protested against the factory’s operations.
In a related development, the ED has also raided the Faridkot residence of liquor baron Deep Malhotra. The searches, which began at 6:00 am, targeted Malhotra’s residence and other associated properties. The findings of the investigation may have a big effect on Malhotra and his companys activities. During the raid his employees were questioned even though Malhotra wasnt present. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat financial misconduct and corruption by continuing the EDs examination of Malhotras financial transactions and business practices.