In a major crackdown on alleged financial misconduct, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 30, 2025, attached assets worth ₹14.06 crore belonging to former IAS officer M.L. Tayal (1976 batch) and his family, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The attached assets include nine immovable properties — two houses and seven flats — located in Chandigarh, New Delhi, and Gurugram. In addition, the ED has frozen bank accounts held by Mr. Tayal and his family members.
Background of the Case
The action follows an FIR registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Chandigarh, alleging that Mr. Tayal amassed disproportionate assets between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2014 — a period during which he served as Principal Secretary to the then Chief Minister of Haryana (2005–2009) and later as a Member of the Competition Commission of India (2009–2014).
The ED’s probe found that Mr. Tayal, his wife Savita Tayal, and son Karthik Tayal owned multiple properties and made significant financial investments that far exceeded their known sources of income. The agency examined their income tax returns, banking records, and stock market transactions, which pointed to the accumulation of illicit wealth.
This action is being seen as a strong message against corruption and financial impropriety in public service. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected.
