What Properties Did ED Attach in Assam's Land Fraud Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED has attached properties worth Rs 94.22 lakh in Assam.
- The case involves misappropriation of funds for housing projects for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.
- Rajendra Nath and Sautik Goswami are the main accused in this fraud case.
- Investigation revealed substantial cash transactions linked to the accused.
- The case raises serious concerns about corruption among senior civil servants.
Guwahati, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Guwahati Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action by attaching properties valued at Rs 94.22 lakh in relation to a notable land fraud case linked to the All India Services Officers Co-operative Group Housing Society in Assam.
This central agency has provisionally attached eight immovable properties belonging to Rajendra Nath under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The decision comes after ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of funds designated for a housing project intended for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.
The ED has also filed a prosecution complaint against two individuals, Sautik Goswami and Rajendra Nath, although the court has yet to take cognizance of the complaint.
This case arose from an FIR lodged at the Basistha Police Station in Guwahati against Goswami, Nath, and others.
The FIR states that the Officers Society had forwarded an advance of Rs 3.60 crore to Goswami for acquiring 86 bighas of land meant for a residential colony.
However, the land was never transferred, and only Rs 50 lakh was returned to the cooperative housing society.
The remaining Rs 3.10 crore was allegedly misappropriated, identified by the ED as "proceeds of crime".
Investigators revealed that Goswami had made a private arrangement with Nath for securing land for the cooperative housing society.
The investigation uncovered substantial cash transactions to Nath, supported by seized money receipts and recorded statements under PMLA.
The ED noted that following the fraudulent activity, Nath acquired several properties between 2016 and 2023, which could not be justified as legitimate income.
The attached assets comprise plots of land in Kukurmara, Jogipara, Barhanti Maniari, Bangara, Kawaimari, and Rampur villages in Assam.
The agency stated, "Further investigation into the matter is ongoing."
This case has garnered attention due to its connection with a cooperative housing society established by senior civil servants, including members of the IAS, IPS, and IFS, underscoring the magnitude of the alleged conspiracy and breach of public trust.