What Action Did the ED Take Against Properties in Manipur?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets in Manipur linked to a corruption investigation. This action follows allegations of money laundering involving university officials and a contractor, raising concerns over the integrity of educational institutions. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- The ED has attached properties worth Rs 71 lakh in Manipur.
- This action is part of an investigation under the PMLA.
- University officials are implicated in a conspiracy with a contractor.
- Significant financial wrongdoing has been alleged.
- Ongoing investigations may reveal more details.
Imphal, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, has provisionally attached three immovable properties collectively valued at Rs 71 lakh belonging to two individuals in Manipur, as announced by the central investigative agency on Thursday.
The ED's Imphal Sub-Zonal office executed this provisional attachment on September 30, 2023, under the auspices of the PMLA.
Among the three properties, one residential asset is owned by Konsam (O) Sheityabati Devi, the spouse of K. Jiban Kumar Singh, who previously served as the Finance Officer of Manipur University, valued at Rs 23.95 lakh, according to the ED's statement.
Additionally, the other two agricultural plots are registered under Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei, a contractor and proprietor of M/s Lourembam Enterprises in Imphal, amounting to Rs 48 lakh.
The ED initiated its investigation following an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), CBI, Imphal, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, alleging that officials from Manipur University, including K. Basanta Singh, K. Jiban Kumar, N. Tejendro Singh, and former Vice-Chancellor H.N.K. Sarma, engaged in a criminal conspiracy.
They allegedly connived with contractor Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei to defraud Manipur University.
The ED indicated that the university officials misused their positions to grant undue advantages to contractor Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei in securing a tender for supplying various furniture items to the International Guest House (IGH) of Manipur University.
Furthermore, they falsely documented the receipt of furniture items in full and processed the entire payment to M/s Lourembam Enterprises.
It was also reported that they attempted to disguise the furniture items as having been destroyed in a supposed fire incident at the university's Recreation Hall, leading to significant financial loss to the educational institution while benefiting themselves.
The ED's investigation uncovered that university officials awarded tenders to M/s Lourembam Enterprises for furniture procurement, bypassing established procedures, violating Rule 148 of General Financial Rules.
Moreover, Rameshwar Meitei did not deliver the furniture worth Rs 64,36,502 per the supply order and fraudulently submitted bills for this amount, along with an installation charge of Rs 9,65,476.
In total, Rs 74,01,978 was illegally disbursed to Rameshwar Meitei by the officials of Manipur University. Consequently, this sum was misappropriated in collusion with university officials, originating from criminal activities linked to a scheduled offence, thus qualifying as Proceeds of Crime.
Ongoing investigations are still in progress.
Point of View
I uphold the belief that accountability is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our educational institutions. The recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate in Manipur highlight the need for transparency and vigilance in government dealings. It is essential that we support investigations that seek to uncover and address corruption, ensuring that justice prevails.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What properties have been attached by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached three immovable properties valued at Rs 71 lakh, belonging to two individuals in Manipur.
Under which act were the properties attached?
The properties were attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Who are the individuals involved in this case?
The individuals involved include Konsam (O) Sheityabati Devi and Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei, among others.
What is the basis for the ED's investigation?
The investigation stems from an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Branch, alleging a conspiracy among university officials and a contractor to defraud Manipur University.
What is the total amount involved in the alleged fraud?
The total amount involved in the alleged fraud is Rs 74,01,978, which was misappropriated.
