Bhopal, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), operating from the Bhopal Zonal Office, has taken provisional measures to attach immovable properties valued at Rs 11.81 crore belonging to Jagdish Prasad Sarvate, a former Deputy Director in the Adim Jati Kalyan Vibhag (Tribal Welfare Department) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, as stated in an official press release.

This action follows an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which was initiated based on an FIR lodged by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Jabalpur, citing Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended).

According to the ED, the underlying offence pertains to Sarvate allegedly accumulating assets that are disproportionate to his disclosed income sources during his service in the department.

Investigations revealed that Sarvate allegedly acquired a range of immovable properties through purported proceeds of crime while he was serving. These properties encompass residential buildings, agricultural land, and commercial assets across various districts, including Bhopal, Mandla, Umaria, and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh.

Some properties were reportedly bought outright with cash, while others were financed through loans that were later repaid with significant unexplained cash deposits, as per the release.

The agency indicated that preliminary investigations suggest Sarvate generated proceeds of crime by allegedly misusing his official position. Furthermore, it is claimed that the funds were laundered through a systematic process of placement, layering, and integration into immovable properties, thereby disguising illicit assets as legitimate.

In order to prevent any transfer, disposal, or dissipation of these assets, the ED has provisionally attached nine immovable properties under Section 5(1) of the PMLA. This action aims to secure these properties for potential confiscation proceedings under the Act.

The case originates from previous investigations by the EOW, which reportedly revealed disproportionate assets valued in crores linked to Sarvate in 2025. Raids conducted at his residences uncovered substantial cash, luxury goods, premium liquor, and even a tiger skin, prompting additional wildlife offence proceedings.

Further inquiries under the PMLA are ongoing to trace more assets, investigate the alleged laundering network, and identify any additional individuals involved.

The ED emphasized that this action underscores its unwavering commitment to combatting corruption within public offices, particularly in departments overseeing welfare and tribal affairs.