Why Did the ED Attach a Rs 1.84 Crore Property of Ex-DTO Officer in Pension Fund Fraud?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached a property valued at Rs 1.84 crore owned by former DTO Satish Kumar. This action stems from a money laundering probe linked to a widespread pension fund fraud in Himachal Pradesh, revealing serious financial misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- ED takes action against financial misconduct.
- Property attached under PMLA, 2002.
- Investigation reveals manipulation of pension funds.
- Former DTO used illicit funds for property acquisition.
- Further investigations are underway.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached a residential property valued at around Rs 1.84 crore belonging to former District Treasury Officer (DTO) Satish Kumar due to his involvement in a money laundering scandal associated with extensive pension fund fraud in Himachal Pradesh, as reported by the agency on Monday.
This action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The attached asset is a 200-square-yard plot that features a constructed house situated in Sunny Enclave, Kharar, located in Punjab’s Mohali district.
The investigation was initiated following an FIR filed at the Police Station Nahan against Kumar, citing multiple sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kumar has already faced conviction in this case by the Special Judge in Sirmaur at Nahan.
“A Charge Sheet dated May 31, 2023, has been submitted in the case, and Satish Kumar has been found guilty by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Sirmaur at Nahan for the aforementioned offences,” the ED noted in its press release.
Authorities discovered that Kumar, who served as DTO in Nahan from 2012 to 2018, manipulated the government’s e-pension software to divert funds intended for retired employees.
The ED reported that he channeled pension funds into various bank accounts registered under his name, as well as those of his wife and children. Over the years, a total of ₹1,68,66,371 — owed to 95 pensioners — was unlawfully transferred to these accounts.
“A total of Rs. 1,68,66,371/- (Proceeds of Crime amount) intended for 95 pensioners was illicitly transferred to these accounts,” the ED stated.
Further investigations revealed that Satish Kumar used the Proceeds of Crime to acquire and develop a residential property at Sunny Enclave, Mohali, effectively laundering the illicit funds.
“The current market value of the property is estimated at Rs. 1,84,91,651/-, thus the full amount of Proceeds of Crime totaling Rs. 1,68,66,371/- has been provisionally attached under PMLA,” the agency explained.
The ED confirmed that further investigations are currently ongoing.
Point of View
I believe this case underscores the pressing need for stringent measures against financial misconduct, especially involving public funds. The ED's actions reflect the commitment to uphold accountability and integrity within governmental operations.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount involved in the pension fund fraud?
The fraud involves a total of ₹1,68,66,371 meant for 95 pensioners.
Who is Satish Kumar?
Satish Kumar is a former District Treasury Officer who manipulated pension funds during his tenure from 2012 to 2018.
Under which act was the property attached?
The property was attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
What is the current market value of the attached property?
The current market valuation of the property is approximately Rs. 1,84,91,651.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the Enforcement Directorate has confirmed that further inquiries are in progress.
