ED files supplementary chargesheet in Bhopal dairy adulteration money laundering case
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhopal Zonal Office, filed a supplementary chargesheet on 17 June 2026 before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bhopal, targeting Sunil Kumar Tripathi, former CEO of M/s Jayshri Gayatri Food Products Pvt. Ltd. (JG FPL), and other accused in an alleged multi-crore dairy adulteration and money laundering racket. The court has since issued notices directing all accused to appear before it.
Background and Predicate Offences
The ED's investigation was triggered by multiple First Information Reports registered at Habibganj Police Station, Bhopal, and by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Bhopal, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The agency's PMLA probe subsequently uncovered what it described as a systematic scheme to manufacture and export adulterated dairy products using forged laboratory reports to obtain export clearances and health certificates.
Tripathi's Alleged Role
According to the ED, Tripathi — in his capacity as CEO of JG FPL — allegedly played a central role in preparing and deploying forged laboratory reports in connivance with other accused. These documents were reportedly used to secure health certificates that enabled the export of substandard and adulterated dairy products. Investigators further allege that Tripathi diverted and misappropriated dairy stocks from the company, routing them through entities he allegedly controlled — M/s Siyajeet Exports and M/s Sugam Foods — using fictitious invoices and bills.
Money Laundering Modus Operandi
The proceeds from the alleged diversion were reportedly layered through a complex chain of unrelated entities to obscure their criminal origin. The ED characterised this as a 'classic money laundering modus operandi.' In an earlier significant action, the agency had provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth ₹23.59 crore belonging to the accused under PMLA provisions.
Arrests and Custody
The ED has arrested both Kishan Modi, Managing Director of JG FPL, and Sunil Kumar Tripathi. Both are currently in judicial custody. The agency stated that further investigation is ongoing to identify additional proceeds of crime, trace the complete money trail, and determine whether other individuals or entities are involved in the alleged offence.
What Comes Next
With the Special Court now seised of the supplementary chargesheet and notices issued to the accused, the case is set to move into a more active judicial phase. The ED's stated intent to widen its probe suggests that further attachments or arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to map the alleged financial network.