Why Did ED Attach Assets of Ex-Indore Civic Officer?
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Key Takeaways
Indore, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily attached assets valued at Rs 39.91 lakh belonging to Chetan Patil, a former employee of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), and his spouse Jyoti Patil under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the federal investigative agency, the attached assets comprise a plot and a residential structure located in Indore, both registered under the names of Chetan Patil and Jyoti Patil.
The ED's actions stem from an FIR filed by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Indore under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which identifies offenses under the PMLA for amassing assets that are disproportionate to known income sources.
Investigations revealed that Patil's income from 1998 until March 12, 2023, was estimated at Rs 55.11 lakh, yet he owned assets worth Rs 1.38 crore.
It was uncovered that the alleged criminal proceeds were laundered through various bank accounts held by Chetan Patil and a proprietorship called Nagrodh Architect Engineers and Infrastructure, registered under his wife’s name.
Moreover, the investigation found that this firm lacked any legitimate activity and was reportedly used for channeling unexplained cash deposits and layering funds.
The tainted funds were subsequently utilized for acquiring real estate, repaying housing loans, paying LIC premiums, and other personal expenses, demonstrating the placement, layering, and integration of Proceeds of Crime, according to the ED.
Chetan Patil, who served as the Assistant Garden Officer at the Indore Municipal Corporation, has been terminated from his position amid severe corruption allegations and the possession of assets disproportionate to his known income.
Notably, Patil, who worked in the horticulture department, was dismissed following the EOW's FIR and investigation initiation in 2024.
Initial findings indicated fraudulent procurements amounting to Rs two crore during his tenure as head of the garden department.