The Enforcement Directorate’s Ahmedabad Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties valued at ₹1.05 crore (book value) – with current market value estimated at ₹2.5 crore – in connection with a disproportionate assets case against Anil Kumar Yadav, former Controller of Explosives at the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), Vadodara. The attachment was made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Case Background
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBI ACB), Gandhinagar, against Yadav and his wife, Sangeeta Singh. The case alleges that the couple amassed assets worth ₹1.91 crore disproportionate to their known sources of income during the check period from October 1, 2010, to January 23, 2019, violating provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Key Findings
- Proceeds of Crime: The ED investigation revealed that Yadav laundered illicit funds by acquiring immovable properties in his name and in the names of family members.
- Abuse of Position: The probe suggests potential misuse of his official position at PESO to accumulate wealth beyond legitimate earnings.
Attachment Details
- Book Value: ₹1.05 crore (as per records)
- Current Market Value: Approximately ₹2.5 crore (reflecting significant appreciation)
Ongoing Investigation
The ED continues to:
- Trace additional assets linked to the proceeds of crime.
- Examine the money laundering network and methods employed.
- Investigate potential accomplices or beneficiaries.
Significance
This case highlights the ED’s commitment to combating corruption among public officials and underscores the importance of accountability in regulatory bodies like PESO. The attachment of properties marks a critical step in recovering ill-gotten gains and ensuring justice.