ED Seizes Rs 5.64 Crore Properties of Former Assam Excise Secretary in Major Corruption Probe
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties valued at Rs 5.64 crore belonging to a former secretary of the Assam state excise department. The action targets Indreswar Kalita, who allegedly accumulated these assets over an 18-year period from 2000 to 2018 through illicit means.
Investigation Initiated Based on Vigilance Cell FIR
The ED launched its investigation following an FIR registered by the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell (CMSVC) in Guwahati. The case was filed against Kalita under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The chargesheet submitted by CMSVC revealed that during the check period from March 1, 2000, to December 31, 2018, the accused IAS officer held assets exceeding his legitimate income by Rs 5.64 crore, which constitutes over 131% of his known earnings during that timeframe.
Properties Acquired Through Concealed Ownership and Understated Values
ED's probe uncovered that Kalita acquired multiple immovable properties either in his own name or in the names of his wife and other family members, who lacked corresponding income sources to justify such acquisitions. This strategy was employed to obscure the true beneficial ownership and origin of the funds. Investigators found that the properties were purchased by deliberately understating the consideration amounts in registered sale deeds, thereby concealing the actual cash deployment used in these transactions.
Sham Firm Used to Legitimize Proceeds of Crime
A key revelation from the investigation involves the construction of a G+4 commercial-cum-residential building between 2015 and 2018, costing approximately Rs 4.46 crore. This project was executed through a sham firm where Kalita's wife and a relative were listed as partners, with the relative serving as a mere namesake partner bearing no financial risk or income. The ED stated that this construction was used to legitimize the proceeds of crime, effectively laundering illicit funds through a legitimate-seeming enterprise.
Unexplained Cash Deposits in Bank Accounts
Analysis of individual bank account statements revealed substantial unexplained cash deposits. During the period from 2006 to 2018, Kalita's account received cash deposits totaling Rs 15,24,000. Similarly, his wife's account recorded cash deposits of Rs 16,92,000 from 2012 to 2018. The ED emphasized that these deposits were made during Kalita's service period and remain unexplained by any legitimate sources, further substantiating the allegations of disproportionate asset accumulation.
The attachment of properties marks a crucial step in the ongoing legal proceedings, highlighting the ED's commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the financial irregularities and illicit activities associated with the accused former excise secretary.
