Jalandhar, November 2025 — The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable property worth approximately Rs. 2.76 crore belonging to Chamkaur Lal, a Patwari in the Government of Punjab, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR filed by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for accumulation of assets disproportionate to income during the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2023. The FIR alleged that Chamkaur Lal had amassed wealth far exceeding his legitimate income, along with that of his family members.
Key Findings of the Investigation
ED’s investigation revealed that while serving as a Patwari in the Dera Bassi and Kharar tehsils, Chamkaur Lal had acquired assets clearly disproportionate to his declared earnings. The probe established that these assets were not only amassed but also invested in immovable and movable properties, indicating deliberate layering of illicit funds.
Significantly, Chamkaur Lal is found to have routed illegal funds through bank accounts held in his and his family members’ names, representing them as loans from relatives and acquaintances. This strategy was aimed at disguising the origin of the tainted money and presenting it as legitimate income.
Assessment of Proceeds of Crime
The investigation has confirmed that Chamkaur Lal’s disproportionate assets amount to approximately Rs. 2.76 crore, which fall under the Proceeds of Crime (POC) category linked to scheduled offences under PMLA. A senior ED official commented,
“The detailed analysis of property holdings and fund flows clearly establishes that these assets do not originate from lawful income, justifying provisional attachment under PMLA provisions.”
Next Steps in Investigation
ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional steps planned:
- Detailed analysis of Chamkaur Lal and his family members’ accounts and financial transactions.
- Tracing sources and patterns of disproportionate asset accumulation.
- Action against other movable and immovable properties, if required, linked to illicit funds.
