Did the ED Uncover Financial Records After Raids on a Punjab Doctor’s De-addiction Centres for Drug Pilferage?
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Synopsis
The ED's recent raids on a Punjab doctor's de-addiction centres have resulted in significant seizures of financial records and property linked to the illicit sale of psychotropic drugs. This investigation raises serious questions about the integrity of addiction rehabilitation practices in the region.
Key Takeaways
- ED conducts extensive raids in Punjab.
- Seizures include property and financial records.
- Dr. Amit Bansal accused of illegal drug sales.
- Drug inspector involved in oversight failures.
- Investigation raises concerns about rehabilitation integrity.
Jalandhar, July 19 (NationPress) The ED conducted searches at locations including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala, and Mumbai, seizing property and financial records related to the illicit sale of psychotropic drugs acquired by a Punjab doctor. This was intended for the treatment of addicts at his 22 private de-addiction centres, as reported by an official on Saturday.
These operations were executed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting the premises linked to Dr. Amit Bansal, Rusan Pharma Limited, and Punjab government's drug inspector Roop Preet Kaur, according to the official statement.
“In the course of the searches, numerous incriminating documents were recovered, including the medicine stock register, various property purchase agreements, and essential evidence that helps trace the financial activities and the operational methods of the involved parties,” stated an ED release.
Findings from the ED's investigations revealed that Dr. Bansal was sourcing BNX (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) drugs under the pretense of running his 22 de-addiction centres while selling them illegally, which led to substantial gains categorized as Proceeds of Crime (POC).
These medications, intended for the rehabilitation of drug users, were instead being misappropriated for substance abuse.
Reportedly, the drug shortages at Bansal’s centres due to the illegal sales were falsely represented as return purchases.
“The POC generated from these activities was subsequently channeled through various bank accounts and utilized for acquiring multiple properties,” the probe agency noted.
Drug inspector Roop Preet Kaur is accused of facilitating Bansal's illegal operations by ignoring the pilferage of de-addiction medications and providing favorable reports on his centres.
The ED's money laundering investigation was initiated based on several FIRs filed by the Punjab Police under sections of the NDPS Act 1985 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
Bansal was previously arrested in Mohali following the apprehension of two employees from his Ludhiana de-addiction centre with 4,000 BNX tablets in 2022.
Dr. Bansal, who is currently out on bail, had launched his first de-addiction facility in Barnala under the name ‘Manorog Kendra’ and steadily became a prominent figure in Punjab's rehabilitation sector.
Point of View
We must highlight the importance of accountability in healthcare. The ED's investigation into Dr. Bansal's operations underscores the need for stringent oversight and ethical practices within the rehabilitation sector. It is crucial that we ensure patient safety and uphold the integrity of addiction treatment services throughout the nation.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the ED's investigation into Dr. Bansal?
The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by the Punjab Police under the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
What evidence was seized during the ED raids?
The ED seized incriminating documents, including medicine stock registers and property purchase agreements, which are crucial for tracing the financial activities related to the illegal drug sales.
Who is Roop Preet Kaur in this case?
Roop Preet Kaur is a drug inspector accused of aiding Dr. Bansal by overlooking the illegal activities associated with his de-addiction centres.
How did Dr. Bansal allegedly misuse the drugs?
Dr. Bansal was accused of misusing psychotropic drugs intended for rehabilitation by selling them illegally for profit.
What are the implications of this case for addiction rehabilitation in Punjab?
This case highlights the urgent need for better regulatory oversight in the addiction rehabilitation sector to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety.
