ED investigation revealed that bribes had exchanged hands in relation to issuance of permit for tree felling, for transfer/posting in Forest Department

Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted search operations on 30.11.2023 at 15 Locations in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and New Delhi under the provisions of thePrevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in relation to various irregularitiescommitted in Forest Department, Punjab. The searches have been conducted at the residential premises of Ex-Forest Ministers Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Sangat Singh Giljian, their associates, Forest Officers/officials in addition to certain private individuals.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of a FIR registered by Vigilance Bureau, Punjabunder various sections of IPC, 1860 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in relation to various irregularities being committed in the Forest Department with respect to receipt of bribe
by the concerned Ministers/officers of Forest Department against issuance of permit for felling of Khair trees, transfer/posting in Forest Department, issuance of NOC from Forest Department, purchase of tree guards by Forest Department etc.
ED investigation revealed that bribes had exchanged hands in relation to issuance of permit for tree felling, for transfer/posting in Forest Department, etc.
During the search operations, various incriminating documents, mobile phones/digital devices etc. have been seized which, prima-facie, reveal suspicious transactions involving persons who are under investigation under the provisions of PMLA, 2002.