ED Raids Punjab-Based Liquor Company Over Environmental Violations

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches against a Punjab-based liquor company promoted by former SAD MLA Deep Malhotra, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to groundwater contamination in Ferozepur. The factory was shut down following environmental violation complaints, leading to raids in Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches against a Punjab-based liquor company, Malbros International Pvt. Ltd., promoted by former SAD MLA Deep Malhotra. The raids were part of a money laundering investigation related to alleged contamination of soil and groundwater in Ferozepur district.

Seven premises associated with the company and other entities across Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh were targeted by federal agents. Malbros International is 'owned and controlled' by Deep Malhotra, a significant liquor baron, and his son Gautam Malhotra. Their business activities fall under the Oasis Group of companies.

The factory faced accusations of polluting the soil and groundwater within a 4 km radius by dumping industrial effluents via borewells, causing significant environmental damage. This prompted an inspection by the Central Pollution Control Board and Central Ground Water Board following discussions in Parliament. The Punjab Pollution Control Board subsequently filed a criminal complaint, leading to local protests and the factory's closure on orders from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in January 2023.