What Led the ED to Conduct Searches in Jaipur under PMLA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED conducted searches in Jaipur related to a money laundering investigation.
- Approximately Rs 48,000 crore was defrauded from investors.
- Key individuals have been arrested and are in judicial custody.
- Incriminating evidence was found, emphasizing the severity of the fraud.
- Legal actions are ongoing to ensure justice for the victims.
Jaipur, April 27 (NationPress) - The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Delhi Zonal Office, announced on Sunday that a search operation was conducted in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, related to an ongoing investigation involving M/s PGF Ltd., M/s PACL Ltd., their directors, and other associated individuals.
The ED stated that the searches were executed based on an FIR lodged by the CBI, BSFC, New Delhi, under Sections 120-B and 420 of the IPC, 1860, against M/s PACL India Limited, M/s PGF Limited, Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, and others.
According to the ED, “They were engaged in running deceptive investment schemes aimed at cheating investors. Through these schemes, PACL and its Directors swindled investors out of nearly Rs 48,000 crore.”
The central investigative agency noted that Harsatinder Pal Singh, the son-in-law of the late N S Bhangoo, was apprehended by the ED on March 2 and is presently in judicial custody.
“During the operation, it came to light that Shravan Singh Chauhan, Indra Singh, and their associates have been unlawfully occupying a property owned by M/s PACL since 2017, running a commercial business, thereby generating illicit income and further misappropriating Proceeds of Crime (POC) stemming from the PACL Ltd. fraud, which has negatively impacted investors across the nation,” it stated.
The agency confirmed that incriminating digital evidence and a luxury vehicle owned by the illegal occupant were discovered and confiscated.
The central agency emphasized that this search represents a crucial move in reclaiming properties obtained through POC and underscores the Directorate's commitment to delivering justice for the deceived investors.
It also mentioned that additional legal action is in progress, with coordination among law enforcement agencies ongoing to file appropriate criminal cases against those involved.