Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 16 locations in Punjab’s Pathankot district as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged illegal mining and land scam near the India-Pakistan border.
The action was carried out by the ED’s Jalandhar Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
According to the agency, the case relates to the alleged illegal transfer of government shamlat land in Bhattian Gol Panchayat into private hands, followed by large-scale unauthorised mining activities on the land.
During the three-day search operation, the ED recovered ₹1.75 crore in unaccounted cash. The agency also froze bank accounts holding more than ₹91.34 lakh under Section 17(1A) of the PMLA.
Investigators alleged that illegal mining in the area was carried out during the night using trucks, tippers and earth-moving machines, many of which were reportedly operating without registration plates.
The ED said it has sought assistance from the Survey of India to scientifically map the affected land and assess the extent of illegal sand mining.
Officials added that several documents and digital devices have been seized during the searches and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Further action, including questioning of suspects, is expected as the probe progresses.
