ED Seizes Agricultural Land in Patna in High-Profile NHAI Corruption Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), operating from its Patna zonal office, executed a significant provisional attachment on Friday, targeting immovable property as part of an ongoing money laundering probe. The action involved agricultural land valued at Rs 17.35 lakh, seized under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This move is directly connected to the investigation into Sadre Alam, the former chief general manager and regional officer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Patna, highlighting a serious crackdown on alleged financial misconduct within public sector infrastructure.
Background: CBI FIR and Disproportionate Assets Allegations
This enforcement action stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), specifically its anti-corruption branch in Patna. The case, filed in September 2022, accuses Alam of violating Sections 7 and 8, along with Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Central to the allegations is the claim that Alam amassed disproportionate assets during his tenure at NHAI, with investigations revealing an estimated accumulation of around Rs 89 lakh between July and September 2022 alone. These assets reportedly far exceeded his known sources of income, raising red flags about potential corruption and illicit enrichment.
Money Laundering Trail and Cash Recoveries
Probe findings indicate that the proceeds of crime, generated through alleged illegal activities, were laundered via a complex and layered financial network. Officials detailed that huge cash amounts were systematically deposited into bank accounts associated with Alam, followed by routing through multiple layers of bank transfers designed to obscure the origin of the funds. Despite repeated requests from authorities, Alam failed to provide any valid explanation or documentary evidence regarding the source of Rs 71 lakh in cash recovered from his residential premises during a CBI search operation. This lack of transparency has bolstered suspicions of money laundering, with the total proceeds of crime quantified at Rs 89 lakh, of which Rs 71 lakh in cash and jewellery has already been seized by the CBI.
Provisional Attachment and Ongoing Investigation
In accordance with Section 5(1) of the PMLA, 2002, the ED has now provisionally attached the agricultural land registered in Alam's name, treating it as equivalent in value to the proceeds of crime. The total value of the attached property stands at Rs 17,35,880, as confirmed by ED officials. They emphasized that this attachment is a critical step in recovering illicit gains and disrupting the money laundering network. Further investigation is actively underway to trace additional assets, unravel the full extent of the money laundering operations, and identify any other parties involved in this scheme. The case underscores the collaborative efforts between the ED and CBI in combating corruption and financial crimes in India's public sector.
