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Punjab De-Addiction Scam: ED Freezes ₹21 Crore Linked to Amit

Enforcement Directorate Takes Action in Punjab’s De-addiction Sector

In a significant development, the Jalandhar Zonal Unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen multiple bank accounts associated with Dr.

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Punjab De-Addiction Scam: ED Freezes ₹21 Crore Linked to Amit

Enforcement Directorate Takes Action in Punjab’s De-addiction Sector

In a significant development related to the Punjab de-addiction scam, the Jalandhar Zonal Unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen multiple bank accounts associated with Dr. Amit Bansal, a Chandigarh-based physician, and his family members. This action, which is part of a broader investigation into drug diversion and money laundering, involves a whopping Rs 21 crore. The case is connected to various private de-addiction centres previously operated by Dr. Bansal, which are now defunct.

According to an ED official, this investigation entails serious allegations of the misuse of prescription drugs and illegal financial transactions linked to 22 private de-addiction centres across Punjab. Dr. Bansal’s operations have drawn scrutiny over claims suggesting that drugs intended solely for registered addicts were illegally diverted for profit, bringing grave concerns over public health and safety.

Background and Initial Investigations

The ED’s involvement in this case follows a prior investigation led by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. Dr. Bansal was initially arrested about seven months ago by the Bureau for his alleged role in misusing Adnoc-N, a regulated drug combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone prescribed for the treatment of opioid addiction. Investigators suspect that Dr. Bansal and his associates sold this medication to non-registered drug users, an act that threatens the integrity of healthcare protocols and public safety.

Although Dr. Bansal is currently out on bail, his actions have caused widespread repercussions. Authorities have shut down all 22 centres in Punjab and one in Chandigarh to ensure accountability, dealing a major blow to the region’s already fragile drug rehabilitation system. ED officials also confirmed that they sealed the Chandigarh centre during their raids on July 18.

The July 18 Raids: An Overview

As part of the ongoing probe into the Punjab de-addiction scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out coordinated raids on July 18, targeting locations in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala, and even as far as Mumbai. These operations were comprehensive, aimed at garnering evidence of the alleged criminal activities. The ED’s official statement highlighted the search for digital records and financial evidence linked to the illegal sale of controlled substances.

During these raids, the ED seized thousands of restricted tablets alongside over Rs 90,000 in cash from a Ludhiana hospital and other facilities linked to Dr. Bansal. Notably, some incriminating documents and electronic devices pertinent to the case are currently undergoing forensic examination, which may yield further insights into the scale of operations and the extent of the alleged misconduct.

Extent of Allegations and Missing Medications

The gravity of the allegations against Dr. Bansal is magnified by the findings during inspections at various centres. For instance, a hospital in Nakodar (Jalandhar) reported as many as 1.44 lakh tablets missing from its inventory. The ED suspects that Dr. Bansal attempted to obfuscate these discrepancies with the assistance of certain departmental staff and officials. This cover-up seems to reflect a systematic method of misappropriation that has serious implications for public health, particularly in tackling the ongoing opioid crisis in Punjab.

Furthermore, the ED has registered four First Information Reports (FIRs) against Dr. Bansal’s centres across various districts, including notable jurisdictions like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala. The complicity of local authorities surfaces with the involvement of Ludhiana-based Drug Inspector Ruppreet Kaur, who has been named as a co-accused in this unfolding drama of alleged corruption.

Public Health Implications

Punjab has been grappling with a drug crisis for years, exacerbated by the easy availability of controlled substances. The operations of private de-addiction centres, often set up to help addicts recover, have come under scrutiny due to such malpractice. The misuse of medications like Adnoc-N, designed to benefit those seeking recovery from substance abuse, not only undermines public trust in medical institutions but also endangers lives.

The ED’s investigations come at a crucial time when the state is trying to rehabilitate its denigrated drug recovery framework. Authorities have voiced concerns that incidents of diversion and illicit sales have contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic affecting numerous families across Punjab.

Looking Ahead: Further Investigations

As the ED continues its probe, officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as further evidence emerges. A former deputy commissioner of Jalandhar previously conducted a separate investigation into alleged misappropriation at Dr. Bansal’s Nakodar de-addiction centre, which had already uncovered numerous irregularities in operations. This lends credence to the ongoing claims that a far-reaching network of corrupt practices may have entangled various stakeholders within the drug rehabilitation industry.

Conclusion

The freezing of Rs 21 crore in bank accounts related to Dr. Amit Bansal signifies a pivotal moment in the fight against drug-related corruption in Punjab. The Punjab de-addiction scam, now under the Enforcement Directorate’s thorough investigation, carries serious implications for the state’s healthcare system and public trust in medical authorities. Continued scrutiny is essential to unravel the complexities of this case and ensure accountability, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable individuals seeking recovery from addiction in a state that desperately needs effective solutions.

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Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages in Punjab

Diljit Dosanjh Supports Flood Victims

On September 2, 2025, Punjab faced severe flooding.

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Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages in Punjab

On September 2, 2025, Punjab witnessed severe flooding that left many villages devastated. In response, singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages by adopting ten affected areas in Gurdaspur and Amritsar. His initiative aims to provide food, clean water, medical help, and support for rebuilding families’ lives.

Diljit is working closely with local organizations and the state government to ensure proper distribution of supplies. Through his social media, he shared the message “Together, we can rebuild,” encouraging unity and public participation in relief work.

Other celebrities also joined the cause. Sonam Bajwa announced donations to rescue groups, while Sanjay Dutt expressed grief on X and promised assistance. Ammy Virk adopted 200 families, focusing on dignity and hope. Additionally, Himanshi Khurana pledged to help ten families resettle, stressing the importance of unity in recovery.

The floods affected over 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts, displacing thousands. Punjab’s Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that 15,688 people have been evacuated, while 129 relief camps shelter over 7,000 victims. Ferozepur alone houses nearly 4,000 camp residents, making it one of the hardest-hit regions.

Despite ongoing challenges, the community continues to come together. Volunteers, local groups, and government bodies are working side by side. These joint efforts highlight the resilience of Punjab and the importance of solidarity during natural disasters.

As flood waters slowly recede, focus is shifting toward rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods. With collective support from citizens and leaders, Punjab is determined to recover stronger. In this journey of hope, Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages, inspiring countless others to extend a helping hand.

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Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman Without Permission

Incident at Zirakpur Hotel

Recently, an unusual incident occurred at a hotel in Zirakpur, Punjab.

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Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman Without Permission

Recently, police in Zirakpur registered a case after a Hotel Guest arrested for filming woman without her consent. The victim, a hotel’s social media manager, was recording promotional content when an intoxicated guest began filming her. Staff intervened quickly, but the guest refused to stop, threatened the employees, and claimed police connections.

The situation escalated into a scuffle with hotel security. According to the hotel owner, this guest and his group had previously misbehaved with staff, especially female employees. Concern grew stronger because such behavior is becoming more frequent in urban centers.

The police acted promptly and booked the guest under multiple sections of law, including Section 115(2) for conspiracy, Section 296 for obscene conduct, Section 78(2) for disruption, and Section 66E of the IT Act for violating privacy. This legal response was seen as necessary to ensure public confidence in law enforcement.

Punjab has already been struggling with rising cyber crimes. Authorities emphasize that digital growth, particularly in Mohali, increases risks of privacy violations. Therefore, strict measures are being implemented alongside awareness programs.

Meanwhile, another case involving misuse of the ICACCOPS software was reported in Mohali. This tool, designed to detect child exploitation material online, was allegedly misused. The cyber crime police filed a complaint after Inspector Rohit Heera flagged the issue, stressing the urgency of digital safety.

Officials admit that more work is needed to protect women and children. Although the state is taking stronger steps, rapid technological expansion poses ongoing challenges. Citizens must also stay aware and informed.

Community involvement remains essential. Parents, teachers, and guardians must guide young people about safe online practices. The emphasis on awareness highlights how collective action can prevent exploitation.

These incidents underline the importance of safety, accountability, and respect. Punjab’s growing digital activity makes privacy protection even more critical. Ultimately, the case of a Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman sends a strong message that violations will not be tolerated and that strict enforcement, combined with education, is the way forward.

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Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families in Ajnala

Relief Efforts for Ajnala Flood Victims

On Monday, Punjab’s finance minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, took a significant step to help families affected by recent floods.

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Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families in Ajnala

On Monday, Punjab’s finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema Sends help to Flood-Hit Families by dispatching five truckloads of relief supplies from outside the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Mohali. This significant step came as Ajnala and nearby areas continued to suffer from the devastating impact of floods. Reports confirmed that these trucks carried urgent essentials for families in distress.

The five vehicles were packed with 1,000 ration kits, 600 packets of drinking water, 400 mosquito nets, 400 mattresses, and 200 folding beds. These items are expected to provide immediate relief for families struggling to survive after losing homes and resources to the heavy rainfall.

Ajnala, part of Amritsar district, has a long and rich history but has also faced repeated natural disasters. The recent floods left its people in urgent need of support. Relief arriving at this critical stage is seen as both timely and life-saving.

Minister Cheema, while addressing the gathering, thanked AAP volunteers and citizens of Punjab for their generous contributions. He stressed that Punjab has always made sacrifices for the nation, and now it is the central government’s duty to stand beside them. His message of solidarity added weight to the relief effort.

Floods across Punjab have been worsened by changing climate patterns. Extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, are becoming more frequent. Because of this, the state faces higher risks each year, which makes such relief operations even more necessary.

During these emergencies, families often lose basic shelter and food security. Relief supplies, especially ration kits and water, help to meet their immediate needs. Moreover, these actions reflect the commitment of the Punjab government to protect its citizens during crises.

Although the relief measures bring hope, recovery will take much longer. The government and local organizations will continue their collaboration in the coming weeks. Updates about the situation will keep the public informed, while citizens are encouraged to participate by volunteering or donating to ongoing efforts.

In conclusion, the initiative led by Minister Cheema highlights more than just the delivery of material supplies. It represents hope, unity, and resilience. Communities are reminded that by working together, they can rebuild stronger after disasters. Ultimately, Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families, reinforcing the promise of support and care during one of Punjab’s toughest challenges.

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