New Delhi: Sonia Narang, a 2002-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been relieved of her duties as Special Director at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency announced on Thursday. Narang, who was promoted to Special Director in 2022, played a pivotal role in several high-profile investigations, including those against Vivo, the Popular Front of India (PFI), IFFCO, Ambience Group, Sukhpal Khaira, and the Khan Market money laundering case.
As Special Director, Narang was responsible for overseeing the central region and the ED’s Special Task Force (STF). Her tenure saw her lead major probes, such as the money laundering investigations into the banned PFI and Maoist-linked financial networks. The ED, which operates under the Union Finance Ministry, is tasked with enforcing anti-money laundering laws, including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
Prashant Kumar, the Special Director for the Southern Range, will take over Narang’s responsibilities. Narang’s transfer back to her parent cadre in Karnataka has raised questions, as no official reason for her relief has been provided by the government.
Narang’s departure comes at a time when the ED continues to handle crucial investigations into financial crimes and money laundering. The ED’s Special Director posts are among the most senior positions in the agency, ranking just below the ED Director.
Alongside Narang, Satyabrata Kumar, a 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, was also appointed as Special Director in 2022, responsible for the ED’s western region operations.
