ED Launches PMLA Case Over Alleged Rs 60.3 Crore Bribery in Guwahati
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the ED has filed a case against NPCC officials and contractors for alleged bribery linked to border contracts worth Rs 60.3 crore. The investigation reveals extensive money laundering activities and hawala transactions.
Key Takeaways
The ED has filed a case against NPCC officials and contractors.
The case involves alleged bribery and money laundering linked to border contracts.
Investigation revealed significant amounts being funneled through hawala networks.
Evidence suggests a broader pattern of corruption among contractors.
Ongoing investigations may lead to further developments.
Guwahati, April 11 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a prosecution case at a specialized PMLA court in Guwahati against former officials of the National Project Construction Corporation (NPCC) and certain private contractors. This action is related to an alleged bribery and money laundering scheme involving border infrastructure contracts totaling approximately Rs 60.30 crore, as confirmed by officials on Saturday.
An official announcement detailed that the prosecution notice includes names such as Rakesh Mohan Kotwal, a retired Zonal Manager for the North East Region of NPCC Ltd., Latiful Pasha, the officer managing the Jalpaiguri Project Office, alongside Anish Baid and Binod Singhi, who are directors of M/s Shree Gautam Construction Company Limited, among others.
The investigation revolves around contracts allocated by NPCC on behalf of the Border Security Force for the establishment of nine Border Out Posts along the Indo-Bangladesh frontier.
The ED's inquiry commenced following an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had previously submitted a charge sheet in November 2021 against nine individuals under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigations uncovered that Kotwal and Pasha purportedly sought illegal payments amounting to approximately Rs 33 lakh, which was subsequently negotiated down to Rs 30 lakh, from a contractor to facilitate the release of overdue bills totaling around Rs 2.24 crore.
Further examination revealed that Rs 25 lakh was funneled through hawala networks connecting Silchar, Guwahati, and Delhi. Some funds were also transferred via bank accounts to a distributor firm before being converted to cash and delivered in Delhi, where the CBI intercepted the transaction and seized these funds in July 2019.
Moreover, Rs 15 lakh in suspected illicit gains was confiscated from a showroom in Silchar, following instructions from one of the accused.
The ED has indicated that evidence suggests similar bribery demands were made to other contractors. The investigation is ongoing.
Point of View
Particularly in sensitive areas such as border security. The allegations reflect systemic issues that require thorough investigation and accountability, aligning with a national-first approach to governance.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ED investigating?
The ED is investigating allegations of bribery and money laundering linked to border infrastructure contracts worth Rs 60.3 crore involving former NPCC officials and contractors.
Who are the key individuals involved?
Key individuals include Rakesh Mohan Kotwal, Latiful Pasha, Anish Baid, and Binod Singhi, among others.
What is the source of the investigation?
The investigation was initiated following an FIR registered by the CBI, which had filed a charge sheet against several accused individuals.
What are the amounts involved in the bribery?
Kotwal and Pasha allegedly demanded illegal payments totaling Rs 33 lakh, which was negotiated down to Rs 30 lakh.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with evidence suggesting similar bribery demands made to other contractors.
