A Canada-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investor has leveled serious allegations of harassment and forceful eviction against local authorities in Punjab, sending shockwaves through the diaspora community. The incident, centered around a factory in the Ropar district, has prompted the businessman to issue a stark warning to fellow NRIs about the risks of investing in the state.
Details of the Alleged Harassment and Eviction
The investor, identified as Kamaljeet Singh, who resides in British Columbia, Canada, claims that officials from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and local police illegally seized his factory in the Ropar district's Ghanaur Kalan area. According to Singh, the action took place on March 29, 2024, without any prior notice or a proper court order.
Singh asserts that he had invested a substantial amount, sourced from his earnings abroad, to establish the unit which manufactured PVC pipes and fittings. He alleges that the eviction was carried out in a high-handed manner, with his staff being threatened and forced out. The investor has documented the event and shared a video statement on social media, appealing to the Chief Minister of Punjab for justice.
A Broader Warning to the NRI Community
This experience has led Kamaljeet Singh to issue a grave caution to the global NRI community. He explicitly advises them to refrain from investing their hard-earned money in Punjab, stating that the current environment is not conducive or safe for business. His public warning highlights a perceived gap between the state government's efforts to attract foreign investment and the ground reality faced by investors.
The case raises critical questions about ease of doing business and investor protection in the state. Singh's allegations suggest that local authorities may be overstepping legal boundaries, creating an atmosphere of intimidation rather than encouragement for entrepreneurs.
Potential Fallout and Official Response
The public allegations by an NRI investor could have significant repercussions for Punjab's image as an investment destination. The state has actively sought investments from its large diaspora, and such incidents risk eroding trust and deterring future capital inflow.
As of now, there has been no detailed official response from the Punjab government or the PPCB regarding the specific claims made by Kamaljeet Singh. The silence from the authorities adds to the uncertainty surrounding the case. The investor's plea underscores the need for a transparent and swift investigation to address the allegations and clarify the circumstances of the factory's seizure.
This incident serves as a critical test for the state's administrative and legal frameworks. How Punjab handles this complaint will be closely watched by current and potential investors, both domestic and international. The outcome will signal whether the state is truly committed to creating a secure and lawful ecosystem for business, or if warnings like Singh's are an indicator of systemic problems.
