In a serious case of environmental damage in Punjab, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has temporarily attached the immovable assets of Malbros International Pvt Ltd worth Rs 79.93 crore. This action was taken by Jalandhar Zonal Office on 13 December 2025. According to the ED, the attached assets include land, buildings and plant and machinery. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which has its roots in an environmental crime.
Investigation started with pollution
The entire case started with a criminal complaint filed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. It is alleged that Malbros International, in violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, discharged untreated wastewater into aquifers deep underground through reverse boring.
Allegations of poisoning ground water
The ED investigation revealed that the company’s industrial unit, located in village Mansoorwal (Tehsil Jira, District Ferozepur), was continuously and systematically releasing untreated sewage into the ground and surrounding areas. According to the investigation, this dirty water was not only released in the fields and drains, but also flowed towards a nearby sugar mill.
Serious impact in villages
ED says that due to this illegal activity, groundwater pollution has occurred on a large scale, causing problems like loss of crops, death of animals and serious impact on the health of local people in nearby villages. It has been described as irreparable ecological damage.
Raids were also conducted earlier.
Earlier, on 16 July 2024, ED conducted raids at six locations related to the company and its directors. 78.15 lakh in cash was also seized during this period, which was confiscated under Section 17 of PMLA.
Investigation continues
ED has clarified that this case is not over yet and further investigation is ongoing. It is expected that there will be more revelations in this case in the coming days. This action once again conveys the message that the law is becoming stricter on environmental abuse and illegal income earned from it.