ED Takes Action: PMLA Complaint Filed Against CA in Rs 6.85 Crore Fraud Case
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the ED has filed a PMLA complaint against a chartered accountant for allegedly defrauding a trust of over Rs 6 crore. This case unveils serious financial misconduct and the misuse of entrusted powers.
Key Takeaways
The ED has filed a PMLA complaint against a chartered accountant.
Tehmul Sethna is accused of defrauding a trust of Rs 6.85 crore.
He allegedly forged signatures to access the trust's funds.
A provisional attachment order has been issued for various properties linked to the case.
The case is currently awaiting further proceedings in court.
Ahmedabad, March 23 (NationPress) — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lodged a prosecution complaint with the Special Court in Ahmedabad under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against a chartered accountant implicated in a significant fraud involving a trust exceeding Rs 6 crore, officials confirmed on Monday.
In a statement released on Monday, the agency stated that the complaint relates to a case of deception involving Tehmul Sethna, a practicing chartered accountant, accused of defrauding the Environment Research & Development Centre (ERDC).
This case originated from an FIR filed by the Gujarat Police, alleging violations of multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which are categorized as scheduled offenses under the PMLA.
The investigation by the Enforcement Directorate revealed that Sethna had been given responsibility over the trust's administrative and financial matters.
During this time, he allegedly secured the signature of one of the trustees to open a bank account and subsequently forged that very signature to issue unauthorized bearer cheques.
“Having been entrusted with the administrative and financial duties of the Trust (ERDC), Tehmul Sethna fraudulently acquired a trustee's signature for the purpose of opening a bank account and then forged the same signature to issue unauthorized bearer cheques,” the agency's statement noted.
It further added, “Using this method, he withdrew funds totaling approximately Rs 6.85 Crore from the Trust’s bank account without the trustees’ knowledge or consent, thereby creating Proceeds of Crime and gaining wrongful financial benefits amounting to Rs 6.85 crore.
Officials also mentioned that a provisional attachment order had previously been issued in this case, resulting in the attachment of various immovable properties, including residential flats and plots.
The total value of these properties mirrors the alleged proceeds of crime, which amounts to Rs 6.85 crore.
The case is currently pending before the Special Court (PMLA) in Ahmedabad for further legal proceedings.
Point of View
Particularly when trust is involved. The actions of Tehmul Sethna raise serious concerns about the integrity of financial professionals and the systems in place to protect against such frauds.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tehmul Sethna?
Tehmul Sethna is a chartered accountant accused of defrauding the Environment Research & Development Centre of over Rs 6 crore.
What actions has the Enforcement Directorate taken?
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint under the PMLA against Tehmul Sethna and initiated an investigation into the alleged fraud.
What are the implications of this case?
The case raises serious concerns about financial integrity and the protection of trusts, potentially leading to stricter regulatory measures.
What happens next in this case?
The case is now pending before the Special Court (PMLA) in Ahmedabad for further legal proceedings.
