The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹65.46 crore in a money laundering case involving Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, a former General Manager (Operations) of the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS). The action is part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Details of the Attached Assets
According to an official ED statement, the seized assets include both movable and immovable properties. The attached properties consist of four residential units and land parcels located in Deorali, Syari, Ranipool, and Penlong in Sikkim. These properties were allegedly purchased using funds misappropriated from the State Bank of Sikkim.
Additionally, several bank accounts in the names of Lepcha and his family members, holding a total deposit of approximately ₹53.41 crore, have also been frozen by the ED.
How the Fraud Was Committed
The ED’s investigation revealed that Lepcha had created a fake bank account under the name “AE Roads and Bridges Department, Government of Sikkim.” By manipulating banking documents, he illegally transferred funds into this account from two public sector banks. These misappropriated funds were then allegedly diverted to his personal accounts and those of his associates.
Background and Investigation
The probe began after the Crime Investigation Department (CID) registered an FIR against Lepcha. Following this, the ED conducted multiple searches at his properties and seized documents related to various land and real estate purchases.
The State Bank of Sikkim (SBS), established in 1968, operates as an autonomous body under the Sikkim government and is responsible for managing the state’s treasury functions.
Current Status of the Case
Authorities are continuing their investigation to trace the full extent of the fraud and identify others involved. The ED is also examining additional leads and collecting further evidence against Lepcha and his associates.
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