ED seizes Rs 30.50 million in Punjab illegal mining case

30 May 2024 CW Team

The Enforcement Directorate seized approximately Rs 30.50 million in cash on during searches conducted at 13 locations in Punjab's Rupnagar district. These actions were part of a money-laundering investigation into alleged illegal mining on land that the agency had attached in 2015 in relation to a drug trafficking case.

The agency stated that Nasib Chand and his associates were involved in illegal mining on land attached on March 30, 2015, in a case related to former Arjuna awardee wrestler Jagdish Singh Bhola, who had also served as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Punjab.

The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had confirmed the attachment of these assets on September 3, 2015.

In response to allegations of illegal mining, the agency focused on the suspects by analysing their call records. It was revealed that bank account statements of Baljinder Singh and others linked to him were obtained from the relevant banks and scrutinised to identify suspected individuals. Following this analysis, the search operation was carried out, according to a source.

During 2013-14, the Punjab police had registered multiple criminal cases against Bhola and his associates for allegedly operating a drug trafficking syndicate with connections in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Bhola was arrested by the Punjab police in November 2013, and the Enforcement Directorate took him into custody for questioning in January 2014.

Bhola was dismissed from service after his involvement in drug trafficking was uncovered, and the government revoked the Arjuna Award granted to him in 1997. He had previously been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai in 2008. A special court for Central Bureau of Investigation cases convicted Bhola and 21 others in one case in February 2019.

Real Estate

29 Sep 2025

Hiranandani Launches India’s Largest Coastal Township in Alibaug

Hiranandani Communities, led by Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, has launched Hiranandani Sands, India’s largest integrated coastal township, near Mumbai in Alibaug, with an estimated revenue of Rs 170 billion. Spanning 225 acre, the township is designed as Mumbai’s lifestyle extension hub, featuring luxury homes, signature villas, plotted developments, and branded serviced apartments. Residents will have private beachfront access and a jetty, alongside five hotels covering luxury, business, and leisure segments, a mega convention centre, eco-wellness hub, beachside entertainment, and a globa..

TDI City Kundli Relaunched with Rs 1 Billion Redevelopment Plan

TDI Infrastructure has announced a Rs 1 billion investment to redevelop and relaunch the 1,100-acre TDI City Kundli, positioning it as a natural and affordable alternative for residents of North and West Delhi. Situated just 30 minutes from Delhi via the newly operational UER-2, the township currently has around 7,000 plot owners and more than 5,000 apartments.“As part of the redevelopment, we are collaborating with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to upgrade 62 parks across 23 acres, improve internal roads, enhance the existing clubhouse, and commence a new second clubhouse to support r..

India Plans Rs 70 Billion Push for Shipbuilding and Ports

The Indian government is preparing a Rs 70 billion stimulus for the shipping sector, with the Union Cabinet expected to review three major schemes shortly, according to media reports. The initiative reflects India’s efforts to expand shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and maritime trade capacity in the coming years.Shares of leading shipbuilders such as Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have already risen on expectations of government support.The plan centres on three key initiatives: a Rs 20 billion Shipbuild..