Did ED Restore Rs 1.34 Crore Proceeds of Crime to IDBI Bank in Kamal Kalra Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED has restored Rs.1.34 crore of Proceeds of Crime to IDBI Bank.
- The action reflects the agency's commitment to financial justice.
- Investigation revealed fraudulent activities involving multiple companies.
- Provisional attachment orders were issued for assets worth Rs.69 crore.
- The move aims to restore public trust in financial institutions.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) In a crucial step aimed at returning the Proceeds of Crime (POC) to their rightful owners, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Delhi zonal office has successfully restored assets worth Rs.1.34 crore to IDBI Bank in the ongoing investigation concerning Kamal Kalra, the agency reported on Tuesday.
The ED's investigation was initiated following an FIR lodged by Bank of Baroda against 59 current account holders of various firms and unidentified bank officials for alleged offenses under different Sections of the IPC, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the ED, the investigation uncovered that substantial amounts were transferred to several companies located in Hong Kong, SAR, China, and Dubai, in collusion with multiple hawala operators and businesspersons, disguised as advance import remittances and transactions for supposed software imports.
However, the actual imports did not occur, and the accused provided fraudulent documentation to the bank.
Throughout the investigation, the ED issued seven provisional attachment orders, seizing assets valued at Rs.69 crore belonging to various individuals implicated, and submitted five prosecution complaints to the Special Court.
“On August 23, 2025, recognizing the intent of the PMLA to restore the POC to genuine claimants and victims of money laundering offenses, the ED presented no objections to the Additional Session Judge regarding the return of the attached property to the legitimate claimant, IDBI Bank Ltd,” the agency stated in its press release.
“Based on this information, the Additional Session Judge approved the order to return the seized immovable properties to the bona fide legitimate claimant, IDBI Bank Ltd,” it further elaborated.
The restoration of the properties to the rightful claimant signifies a vital advancement in the ED's continuous efforts to ensure that the POC are returned to those impacted.
The ED reaffirmed its dedication to fighting financial crimes and delivering justice to victims of such offenses.