What Actions Did ED Take on Former NHAI Official's Property?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), operating from its Patna Zonal Office, has provisionally attached an immovable asset valued at Rs 17.35 lakh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This action is linked to a case of disproportionate assets involving Sadre Alam, who is the former Chief General Manager and Regional Officer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), based in Patna.
As per the officials from the ED, the property in question is agricultural land registered under Sadre Alam's name.
The provisional attachment has been made in relation to the alleged acquisition of assets that are disproportionate and the laundering of crime proceeds.
The ED's investigation was initiated following an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), specifically the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Patna. This FIR cites violations under Sections 7 and 8 and Sections 13(1)(b) in conjunction with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the FIR, Sadre Alam is accused of acquiring assets that are significantly disproportionate to his known income sources within the timeframe from July 2021 to September 2022.
The estimated value of these disproportionate assets stands at approximately Rs 89.09 lakh.
The ED's investigation has indicated that the alleged proceeds of crime were laundered through a convoluted money trail involving substantial cash deposits to bank accounts tied to Sadre Alam, which were later moved through various bank transfers.
Previously, during a search operation carried out by the CBI, cash totaling Rs 71.01 lakh and jewelry were seized from Sadre Alam's residence.
The accused has reportedly been unable to provide a satisfactory explanation or documentation regarding the origin of the recovered cash.
Of the total quantified proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 89.09 lakh, assets worth Rs 71.01 lakh have already been confiscated by the CBI.
The remaining Rs 17.35 lakh has now been provisionally attached by the ED as agricultural land under Section 5(1) of the PMLA, 2002.
The Enforcement Directorate has stated that further investigations into this matter are underway.