Jagran correspondent, New Gurugram. In a major action in a money laundering case, the Gurugram zonal office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint in the special court (PMLA) on December 16. The complaint has been filed against M/s Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Limited (APIL) and its directors/shareholders Sushil Ansal, Pranav Ansal and Gopal Ansal.
This case pertains to violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The ED had initiated the investigation on the basis of prosecution complaints filed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).
The investigation revealed that Ansal Group did not follow environmental norms in its two real estate projects in Gurugram, Sushant Lok-1 and Ansal Essentia. Sewage treatment plant (STP) was not installed in Sushant Lok Phase-1 and the dirty water there was released directly into the HUDA sewer line. The STP installed in the Essentia project was found to be below capacity.
During inspection by the HSPCB team, it was also found that the STPs installed in both the projects were closed and their operation and maintenance was zero. ED's investigation also revealed that on one hand, releasing domestic waste water without treatment caused harm to public health and environment, while on the other hand, the company earned economic profit from it.
According to the investigating agency, by ignoring environmental rules, the company and its promoters made illegal earnings of about Rs 10.55 crore, which has been considered as proceeds of crime. Earlier, ED had also temporarily attached immovable properties (commercial units and spaces) worth approximately Rs 10.55 crore located in Gurugram, Greater Noida and Ludhiana in this case.
These assets are registered in the names of the company's directors, shareholders and beneficial owners. The case will now be heard in the Honorable Special Court (PMLA).
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