How Did the ED Facilitate the Restitution of Rs 45 Crore to Canara Bank?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhopal/Jabalpur, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Friday that it has successfully facilitated the recovery of assets valued at approximately Rs 45 crore for the Canara Bank, linked to three properties that were previously attached.
The restitution is connected to a money laundering investigation involving Jagdamba AMW Automotives Private Limited among others. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated action under Sections 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 120 B against the Directors of Jagdamba AMW, Pushpendra Singh, his relatives, and bank officials for defrauding Canara Bank, leading to a significant financial loss of about Rs 18.32 crore.
Investigations revealed that Jagdamba AMW Automotives Private Limited, spearheaded by its Director Pushpendra Singh, colluded with others to fraudulently secure vehicle loans by falsifying documents and failing to deliver the vehicles.
The funds obtained through these loans were then misappropriated, diverted to other business ventures, transferred to family accounts, and used for personal expenses and settling debts.
The ED found that Jagdamba AMW allegedly misused loan amounts taken under fictitious names for his self-interest, resulting in substantial losses for the Canara Bank.
To date, the ED has determined that the total proceeds of crime attributed to the accused sum to Rs 18.32 crore.
Previously, the ED’s Bhopal Zonal team provisionally attached assets worth Rs 5.32 crore belonging to the accused Pushpendra Singh and others under the PMLA provisions, with the attachment being validated by the Lead Adjudicating Authority.
A charge sheet was subsequently filed before the Jabalpur district court (PMLA Court), with charges formally set on March 13, 2024.
On January 5, 2025, Canara Bank submitted a request for the restitution of the attached assets under Section 8(8) of the PMLA.
Following hearings, the Special Court (PMLA) in Jabalpur issued an order on January 29, 2026, mandating the return of properties worth Rs 45 crore to the victim bank, as stated in the ED's press release.