ED files supplementary chargesheet in MP Edu Dept ₹20.47 crore treasury fraud
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Indore Sub-Zonal Office, filed a supplementary chargesheet before the Special Judge (PMLA), Indore, on 9 July 2026, escalating its money-laundering probe into the fraudulent misappropriation of ₹20.47 crore from the Block Education Office (BEO), Katthiwada, in Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh. The case, rooted in a multi-year embezzlement scheme targeting government education funds, has now seen asset attachments exceeding ₹10 crore in total value.
How the Fraud Was Orchestrated
The ED launched its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following an FIR registered at Police Station Katthiwada. According to the agency, Kamal Rathore, in alleged collusion with other accused persons, engineered the fraudulent clearance of government bills between 2018 and 2023, enabling the illegal withdrawal of public funds from the Alirajpur Treasury.
The proceeds of crime were allegedly routed through multiple bank accounts held by Rathore and his family members, subsequently withdrawn in cash and deployed to purchase agricultural land in Gandhwani tehsil, Dhar district.
Land Converted Into Residential Project to Conceal Funds
In an apparent bid to launder the ill-gotten funds, the accused allegedly developed the acquired agricultural land into a residential plotting scheme named 'Shri Balaji Dham' — a move investigators say was designed to project tainted assets as legitimate real-estate investments. The land was subdivided into 56 residential plots under this project.
The ED issued a provisional attachment order dated 23 June 2026, seizing all 56 plots. The market value of these attached properties is reported to exceed ₹6 crore.
Earlier Searches and Asset Freezes
Prior to the supplementary chargesheet, the ED had conducted searches under the PMLA, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents and the freezing of multiple bank accounts. The agency provisionally attached assets worth ₹4.43 crore belonging to the accused — a decision confirmed by the adjudicating authority on 10 March 2026.
The initial chargesheet against Kamal Rathore and others was filed on 29 September 2025. The latest supplementary complaint builds upon that foundation, adding fresh evidence gathered during continued investigation.
Court Takes Cognisance
The Special Court (PMLA), Indore, has taken cognisance of the supplementary filing and issued notices to the accused persons. The case signals a broader enforcement push against the misuse of government education funds in Madhya Pradesh, with investigators continuing to trace additional proceeds of crime. Further developments are expected as the court proceedings advance.