The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office, has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹1.66 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This action is linked to a fraud case involving Kotak Mahindra Bank accounts, causing a loss of ₹31.93 crore to the government.
Details of the Case
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR filed at Gandhi Maidan Police Station, Patna, followed by a charge sheet under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. It was alleged that fraudulent transactions from bank accounts of the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) cum District Land Acquisition Officer (DLAO) were executed, and funds were siphoned off using shell and dummy entities.
Accused individuals, including Mannu Singh and M/s Red Rose P L, owned by Hemanshu Kishorebhai Trivedi, colluded with bank officials to divert public funds from CALA’s accounts at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Patna.
Money Trail
Investigations revealed that ₹3.05 crore from CALA’s account and ₹8.77 crore from the PD NHAI PIU account were transferred to accounts linked to Mannu Singh and M/s Red Rose P L. Part of these funds was retained, while the rest was transferred to unrelated accounts or withdrawn in cash.
Two agricultural properties in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, were found to be acquired using proceeds of the crime.
Assets Attached
- ₹1.18 crore in bank accounts belonging to Mannu Singh and other beneficiaries.
- Two agricultural properties worth ₹48.80 lakh in the names of Mannu Singh and his wife, Reema Singh.
Raids and Arrests
The ED conducted searches at six locations in Patna, New Delhi, and Bhadohi on July 18, 2023, August 17, 2023, and January 2, 2024. These searches led to the seizure of gold and diamond jewelry and cash worth ₹1.38 crore.
Five individuals, including Mannu Singh and Hemanshu Kishorebhai Trivedi, were arrested and are currently in judicial custody.
Legal Action
The ED has filed two prosecution complaints in the Special PMLA Court, which has taken cognizance of the matter.
Ongoing Investigation
Further investigations are underway to identify additional assets and individuals involved in the fraud.
