Why Did ED Attach Rs 8.93 Cr Worth Properties in Punjab Drug Money Laundering Case?
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Synopsis
The ED's recent attachment of properties worth Rs 8.93 crore linked to Dr. Amit Bansal unveils a significant money laundering case tied to illegal BNX drug sales in Punjab. As the probe deepens, concerns over de-addiction centre abuses grow amidst the region's ongoing narcotics crisis.
Key Takeaways
- ED attached 15 properties worth Rs 8.93 crore.
- Linked to illegal BNX drug sales from de-addiction centres.
- Investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- Investigations revealed money laundering practices.
- Case highlights misuse of rehabilitation centres.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has provisionally seized 15 immovable properties valued at Rs 8.93 crore that belong to Dr. Amit Bansal and his family. This action is part of an investigation into money laundering related to the illicit distribution of Buprenorphine/Nalaxone (BNX) drugs by 22 private de-addiction centres across Punjab.
Officials indicated that this measure was executed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in response to multiple FIRs lodged by the Punjab Police under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Investigations have uncovered that Dr. Bansal was managing 22 private de-addiction facilities throughout Punjab. Although BNX drugs are intended for the rehabilitation of drug users, the ED claims that Bansal unlawfully sold these medications, which were then exploited for substance abuse.
The illicit proceeds were allegedly funneled through the bank accounts of the hospitals, subsequently transferred to accounts owned by Bansal and his family. These funds were purportedly utilized to acquire the attached immovable assets.
Earlier, the ED executed searches at four locations — Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala, and Mumbai — on July 18, 2025. During these raids, movable assets worth Rs 21 crore, including significant bank balances of Dr. Bansal, his relatives, and associated entities, were seized. These assets were previously provisionally attached via an order dated July 23, 2025.
This case underscores the increasing concerns regarding the exploitation of de-addiction centres for illegal drug trafficking in Punjab, a state that is already struggling with a profound narcotics crisis.
With today's asset seizure, the cumulative value of properties frozen in this case has reached nearly Rs 30 crore.
The ED has confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to trace the complete money trail and identify additional beneficiaries of the alleged drug trafficking operation.
Point of View
It is our duty to report on the increasing misuse of de-addiction centres in Punjab for illicit drug trafficking. The ramifications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, highlighting a systemic issue that demands immediate attention and reform.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's actions against Dr. Amit Bansal?
The ED's actions were triggered by an investigation into money laundering linked to the illegal sale of Buprenorphine/Nalaxone drugs by multiple de-addiction centres.
How much property has the ED attached?
The ED has provisionally attached 15 immovable properties worth Rs 8.93 crore.
What laws were invoked in this case?
The actions were taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, among other laws.
What does this case reveal about drug trafficking in Punjab?
This case highlights the alarming misuse of de-addiction centres for illegal drug sales amid Punjab's ongoing narcotics crisis.
Is the investigation still active?
Yes, the ED has confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace the complete money trail.
