NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached six immovable properties valued at ₹10.55 crore belonging to certain directors and shareholders of Gurugram-based Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (APIL) under the anti-money laundering law. This action is part of a case linked to alleged violations of environmental protection laws, as stated by the ED on Wednesday.
The properties, which are provisionally frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), include commercial units in Gurugram (Haryana), Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and Ludhiana (Punjab).
The assets belong to notable figures associated with APIL, such as Sushil Ansal, Pranav Ansal, and Kusum Ansal. This case arises from “violations” of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in two residential projects in Gurugram.
Initially, Haryana Police registered an FIR, followed by a chargesheet filed in court, the ED confirmed.
The allegations include failure to install a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the ‘Sushant Lok Phase-I’ project, with untreated effluent being released into HUDA (Haryana Urban Development Authority) sewer lines. Additionally, the STP in the ‘Esencia’ project was allegedly of “inadequate” capacity.
During inspections by the Haryana Pollution Control Board, officials found the STPs abandoned and lacking proper operation and maintenance. The investigation determined that by neglecting to treat domestic effluent properly, APIL not only harmed public health and the environment but also profited from it.
“The company’s promoters disregarded HSPCB norms for waste treatment, thereby benefiting illicitly to the tune of ₹10.55 crore, which is considered proceeds of crime stemming from their actions,” the report noted.
