Did the ED Seize Rs 2.85 Crore in Assets from a Corrupt Ex-NHAI Official?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has taken significant action against a former NHAI official, seizing Rs 2.85 crore in assets. This case highlights serious allegations of corruption and money laundering during his time in Bihar. Read on for a detailed account of the investigation and the illicit activities involved.
Key Takeaways
- ED's action against corruption.
- Significant asset seizure of Rs 2.85 crore.
- Investigation based on CBI and ACB FIRs.
- Corrupt practices identified during official tenure.
- Proceeds of crime linked to family accounts.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized assets worth Rs 2.85 crore belonging to a former official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) due to his alleged involvement in corruption and money laundering during his tenure in Bihar from 2016 to 2022, as reported by an official on Monday.
The accused, Prabhanshu Shekhar, who served as the Deputy General Manager (DGM) of NHAI in Patna, allegedly acquired these illicit assets under his name and those of his family members through corrupt means, according to the statement.
The Patna Zonal Office of the ED provisionally attached various immovable properties, including flats and land in Bihar and Delhi, along with movable assets such as bank deposits, gold and silver jewellery, and insurance policy investments, all amounting to Rs 2.85 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The investigation initiated by the ED was based on FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Patna, which included charge-sheets alleging violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
According to the charge-sheet No.24/2023 dated December 22, 2023, the CBI uncovered that from January 1, 2016, to September 23, 2022, Prabhanshu Shekhar amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income amounting to Rs 4.07 crore.
During his tenure as DGM, Shekhar reportedly engaged in corrupt activities such as approving inflated bills, manipulating measurement records, and ignoring the use of substandard materials by Ashoka Buildcon Limited.
This misconduct led to significant Proceeds of Crime (POC) being directly deposited into his family members' bank accounts and used for daily expenses, the ED stated.
Furthermore, cash proceeds were utilized to purchase immovable properties in his wife’s name and movable assets like insurance policies and jewellery for himself and family members.
Point of View
This case underlines the ongoing battle against corruption in India. The actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate not only demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing graft but also raise critical questions about the integrity of public officials. It is essential to maintain a vigilant approach to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED to seize these assets?
The seizure was prompted by allegations of corruption and money laundering against Prabhanshu Shekhar during his time as a Deputy General Manager at NHAI.
What kind of assets were seized?
The assets included immovable properties like flats and land, along with movable assets such as bank balances, gold, silver jewellery, and investments in insurance policies.
When did the alleged corrupt practices occur?
The alleged corrupt practices occurred during Prabhanshu Shekhar's posting in Bihar from January 1, 2016, to September 23, 2022.
How much total disproportionate wealth was identified?
The investigation revealed that Prabhanshu Shekhar acquired disproportionate assets worth Rs 4.07 crore.
What legal framework is the ED using for this case?
The Enforcement Directorate is operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
