ED's Big Action in Punjab: Raids across Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 18, 2025: In a major operation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched simultaneous raids across multiple locations in Punjab, including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Barnala, as part of an ongoing probe into alleged money laundering linked to private de-addiction centres.
According to sources, the action stems from an FIR registered against Dr. Amit Bansal, who is said to be operating 22 private de-addiction centres across the state.
The ED suspects that illegal drug sales and financial irregularities were being carried out under the guise of rehabilitation services.
Dr. Bansal is already facing criminal charges filed at a local police station for the illegal supply of drugs and unauthorised financial transactions. Based on this FIR, the ED launched a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The agency’s crackdown extended beyond Punjab, with raids also conducted in Mumbai. Initial investigations have reportedly uncovered evidence of suspicious bank transactions, fake billing practices, and large cash dealings connected to the de-addiction centres.
The ED is currently scrutinizing financial records and gathering digital evidence as part of the broader investigation, which is expected to expose deeper layers of the alleged network.More details are awaited as the operation unfolds.