The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached bank balances worth approximately ₹1.12 crore linked to suspended Tripura cadre IAS officer Abhishek Chandra in connection with a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The attachment order, issued by the ED’s Agartala Sub-Zonal Office on July 31, is part of an ongoing probe into an alleged fraud involving impersonation of government officials and cheating investors through fake government-linked entities.
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Bank Balances Attached Under PMLA
According to the ED, the attached assets include bank balances held in the names of shell entities allegedly controlled by Abhishek Chandra, Utpal Kumar Chowdhury and a private housing company.
The agency alleges that the funds represent proceeds of crime generated through the alleged fraud.
Probe Originated From Multiple FIRs
The money laundering investigation stems from multiple FIRs registered in West Bengal and Tripura against Chowdhury and his associates on charges including cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust and impersonation.
Investigators allege that Chowdhury posed as a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs using forged identity cards and created entities with names resembling government departments and public sector undertakings to gain credibility.
Among the names allegedly used were “Directorate of Higher Education, Tripura” and “M/s Bridge & Roof Co.”
Investors Allegedly Duped With Fake Government Contracts
The ED claims the accused lured investors and businessmen by promising government tenders, mid-day meal supply contracts and profits from rubber trading businesses.
The agency alleges that crores of rupees were collected from investors and routed through a network of shell companies before being withdrawn in cash or invested in properties, vehicles and other assets.
IAS Officer Under ED Scanner
According to the ED, Abhishek Chandra allegedly received proceeds of crime both directly and indirectly.
The agency claims part of the money was routed through a private housing company to book a residential flat in his name.
Total Attachment Reaches ₹1.63 Crore
With the latest provisional attachment of ₹1.12 crore, the total value of assets attached in the case has risen to around ₹1.63 crore across two attachment orders.
The Enforcement Directorate said the investigation into the alleged money laundering network is continuing.
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