In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its pursuit of justice in the Punjab irrigation scam by filing a Prosecution Complaint against Gurinder Singh, along with nine officers of the Punjab Irrigation Department and four private individuals. The legal action, executed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was officially initiated on December 14, 2023, before the Hon’ble Special Court, PMLA, Mohali. The Hon’ble Court promptly acknowledged the Prosecution Complaint on the same day.
The genesis of the ED’s involvement lies in the FIR and various challans filed by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, citing multiple sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The allegations centered around the manipulation of Detailed Notice Inviting Tenders (DNITs) for specific irrigation projects in Punjab, tailored to favor Gurinder Singh Contractor. Further, discrepancies in the allotment and execution of these projects allegedly led to substantial financial losses for the government.
“During its investigation, the ED identified and attached movable properties, primarily bank balances amounting to approximately Rs. 41.50 Crore, considered proceeds of crime owned by Gurinder Singh. Subsequent inquiries uncovered additional proceeds of crime in the form of various immovable properties. Consequently, the ED issued another provisional attachment order, this time totaling Rs. 70.15 Crore. The cumulative proceeds of crime identified and attached in this case now stand at approximately Rs 112 Crore”.
The ED’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to combating financial malfeasance and ensuring accountability in cases of corruption. As legal proceedings unfold, the Punjab irrigation scam serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to safeguard public funds and maintain integrity in government projects.
