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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again taken decisive action against corruption, this time focusing on the Forest Department in Punjab. On 30th November 2023, search operations were conducted at 15 locations across Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and New Delhi, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The targeted investigation revolves around various irregularities committed within the Punjab Forest Department.
“The residential premises of former Forest Ministers, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and Sangat Singh Giljian, along with their associates, Forest Officers/Officials, and certain private individuals, became the focal points of the ED’s search operations. The actions were initiated based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The FIR specifically addressed irregularities within the Forest Department, including alleged bribery in exchange for permits, transfer/posting decisions, issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and the purchase of tree guards”.
ED’s investigation has unveiled a complex web of financial misconduct, indicating that bribes were exchanged in connection with various activities, such as the issuance of permits for tree felling, decisions related to transfer/posting within the Forest Department, and other questionable transactions.
During the search operations, the ED seized various incriminating documents, mobile phones, and digital devices. These findings provide prima facie evidence of suspicious transactions involving individuals who are currently under investigation under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.
“This development sheds light on the systemic challenges within the Forest Department in Punjab and underscores the ED’s commitment to combatting corruption and financial impropriety. The alleged irregularities, especially those related to bribery and misuse of power, have serious implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the integrity of governmental institutions”.
As the ED’s investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the individuals implicated in the search operations, and the seized documents are expected to play a crucial role in establishing a robust case under the PMLA, 2002. The actions taken by the ED reinforce the importance of stringent measures to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within public offices.
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