#enforcement_directorate

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers Amid Tender Mafia Scandal The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma, following the arrest of tender mafia kingpin Rishu Shri. The action comes after a special investigation team (SVU) raided Shri’s residence in Patna and uncovered evidence of widespread corruption. The officers are accused of facilitating illegal tender allocations in exchange for bribes and luxury travel packages to Europe and Australia. The suspension order, issued by the Department of General Administration under the Chief Minister’s directive, states that the two IAS officers were involved in a scheme where Shri, a prominent contractor, allegedly secured government tenders by bribing officials. In return, Shri provided expensive gifts and cash to the officers and their families. The investigation revealed that Shri arranged lavish overseas trips for the IAS officers, covering everything from airfare to five-star hotel stays. During a raid on Shri’s opulent flat in Patna, investigators found evidence of a complex network of illicit financial transactions. The probe also uncovered that Shri had managed to secure contracts worth hundreds of crores by bribing senior officials. One of the most shocking revelations was the cost of a terrace garden built at Shri’s expense for Abhilasha Sharma, a 2014 batch IAS officer, which amounted to 9 lakh rupees. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already filed a case against Shri under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for his alleged role in siphoning public funds. The SVU’s investigation confirmed that Shri had established a powerful syndicate within Bihar’s bureaucracy, leveraging personal and political connections to manipulate tender processes.#enforcement_directorate #bihar_government #yogesh_kumar_sagar #abhilasha_sharma #rishu_shri

Supreme Court Takes Strict Stance on Noida Real Estate Scam, Demands Responses from Central Govt, ED, and RBI The Supreme Court has taken a firm stand against a massive real estate fraud involving over ₹14,000 crore siphoned from homebuyers in Noida and Yamuna Expressway projects. The court has issued notices to the Central Government, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other regulatory bodies, demanding their responses to allegations of systematic financial misconduct by developers. The case, filed by advocate Vandana Sabharwal, highlights a pattern of fraud where builders collected funds from buyers and then declared bankruptcy, leaving thousands of families stranded without their homes or money. The court’s three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joyamalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, has ordered all implicated entities to submit their responses by July 15. The case involves major players such as Jaypee Group subsidiaries JAL and JIL, as well as developers like CRC Homes, Gaurans, Gulshan Homes, Mahagun, and Investors Clinic. The court has also directed the Central Government’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Corporate Affairs Ministry, UP RERA, Noida Authority, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to provide detailed accounts. The legal petition alleges that developers followed a calculated strategy: first, they raised substantial funds from buyers, then diverted the money to affiliated companies, and finally declared insolvency to avoid accountability. This left buyers without their properties or refunds, while promoters remained financially secure.#supreme_court #reserve_bank_of_india #enforcement_directorate #jaypee_group #vandana_sabharwal

CPI(M) Reinstates Binish Kottiyari After Three Years Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has reinstated Binish Kottiyari, the son of former state secretary Kottiyari Bala Krishna, into the party after three years. The decision, taken under the guidance of party leader Pinarayi Vijayan, marks a significant move following a prolonged period of exclusion. Binish, who had been expelled in 2020 after being arrested in a drug-related case, was cleared of all charges in 2023. His reinstatement was approved by the Thrissur district committee branch, which included him in its ranks despite earlier resistance at the state level. The reinstatement followed four unsuccessful requests from Binish to the party leadership. While the district-level authorities showed no opposition to his re-admission, the state leadership had expressed concerns due to the controversial nature of the case. The party had previously faced criticism for its handling of the matter, which involved a high-profile legal battle. Binish’s expulsion in 2020 was a direct consequence of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in October 2020, linked to financial dealings tied to a drug case in Bengaluru. The party’s central committee had then revoked his membership, citing the legal proceedings. Binish’s journey within the party spanned over two decades. From 2001 to 2020, he was an active member, but his career took a turn when he was implicated in the case. After his acquittal in 2023, he sought reinstatement, arguing that his legal troubles were unrelated to his party involvement. The decision to reinstate him reflects the party’s willingness to reconcile with former members, though the process was marked by internal debates.#communist_party_of_india_marxist #enforcement_directorate #pinarayi_vijayan #binish_kottiyari #thrissur_district_committee

ED officials conducting simultaneous raids at Pinarayi Vijayan's Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur homes The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous raids at the residences of former Chief Minister and current opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, as well as other locations linked to the Exalogic-CMRL financial transaction case. The investigation is tied to allegations of illegal financial dealings between Exalogic, a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter Vinea, and the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The raids, which took place on May 27, 2026, targeted multiple sites, including the home of CMRL Managing Director Shashidharan K. R. and other properties associated with the case. In Thiruvananthapuram, ED officials searched Vijayan’s rented residence and his family home in Kannur, where the latter was initially locked. A caretaker was contacted to open the door, prompting protests from CPI(M) workers. Similar protests erupted in Kozhikode, where ED raided the home of Muhammad Riyas, Vijayan’s son-in-law and former minister. Riyas was not present at his Kozhikode residence during the raid. The investigation centers on allegations of illicit transactions between Exalogic and CMRL, with the ED probing claims of illegal gratification and money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case gained momentum after the Kerala High Court rejected a petition seeking a stay on the ED’s inquiry, paving the way for the raids. The ED’s operations included searches at Exalogic’s Bengaluru office, CMRL’s Aluva office, and the residences of senior company officials. The raids have sparked significant political backlash, with CPI(M) convening an emergency meeting to address the situation.#enforcement_directorate #pinarayi_vijayan #exalogic #chennai_metro_rail_limited #shashidharan_k_r

Probe Agency Raids Punjab Minister's Premises, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Condemns BJP Tactics The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at four locations linked to Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Saturday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The raids, which took place in Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region, included Arora’s official ministerial residence. Officials confirmed the ED targeted Arora and his associated entities, with one location being his official residence. This follows an earlier raid on April 17, when the ED had searched Arora’s linked entities under the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Arora, a 62-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA representing Ludhiana West, has been a prominent figure in Punjab’s political landscape. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the BJP during a press conference, accusing the party of misusing central agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department as tools for political targeting. Mann claimed states heading into elections often see increased activity by such agencies, and said Punjab has now become the BJP’s latest focus. He stated, “For a long time, they have been using them for their politics. Be it Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Karnataka, West Bengal. Now, Punjab is on their target.” Mann also referenced AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, alleging that raids at Mittal’s residence and university ceased after he joined the BJP. Mann further accused the BJP of leveraging these raids to pressure leaders into joining the party, claiming that the real intent behind the ED operations is to threaten businesses and reputations. He noted the ED’s raid at Arora’s residence marked the third such action in a year and the second this month.#aam_aadmi_party #enforcement_directorate #bhagwant_mann #sanjeev_arora #punjab_power_minister

Akhilesh Yadav Cuts I-PAC Ties For 2027 UP Poll The Samajwadi Party has announced it will not collaborate with the election management firm I-PAC for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, marking a significant shift in its political strategy. Party leader Akhilesh Yadav stated the decision was driven by a lack of funding, though sources suggest the break-up also follows the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, a co-founder of I-PAC, in a money laundering case tied to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of I-PAC’s operations and its role in recent election campaigns. I-PAC, founded by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, had been working with the Samajwadi Party to target constituencies where the party faced narrow margins of defeat in the 2022 elections. However, Yadav’s party will reportedly continue its electoral efforts through Showtime, a second firm with which it signed a contract two months prior. When asked about the I-PAC deal’s cancellation, Yadav humorously remarked, “We simply don’t have funds. If you (the media) give us funds, we can hire another company.” The decision to end the partnership with I-PAC follows the poor performance of two major opposition parties in recent state elections. The Trinamool Congress, which had previously collaborated with I-PAC, suffered a crushing defeat in Bengal, losing 207 of 294 seats to the BJP. Similarly, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu was ousted by Vijay’s new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, despite both Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin losing their seats in strongholds. These results have raised questions about the effectiveness of I-PAC’s strategies and the broader opposition’s ability to challenge the BJP.#enforcement_directorate #akhilesh_yadav #ipac #vinesh_chandel #prashant_kishor

Samajwadi Party Cancels I-PAC Tie-Up for 2027 UP Polls Amid Legal and Political Challenges The Samajwadi Party (SP) has officially terminated its planned collaboration with the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, according to a report by The Indian Express. The decision, finalized earlier this year, is now described as “off the table” due to a combination of legal troubles, recent electoral setbacks, and internal party concerns. The move follows the arrest of I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with alleged financial irregularities tied to the Bengal coal smuggling case, which has severely impacted the firm’s credibility and operations. The report highlights that the ED’s raids on I-PAC offices and Chandel’s arrest created significant uncertainty for the consultancy’s clients, including the SP. A source close to the firm stated that the legal developments “left the deal on shaky ground,” prompting doubts about I-PAC’s ability to manage large-scale campaigns. Additionally, the SP’s internal unease over reliance on external consultants intensified after the arrest, with party leaders questioning the effectiveness of such partnerships. A senior SP leader told The Indian Express that the uncertainty surrounding Chandel’s case, combined with recent electoral losses by parties like the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)—both of which had previously engaged I-PAC—led to a reassessment of the alliance. The fallout from the Bengal case extended beyond legal issues. I-PAC reportedly scaled back operations in West Bengal, shutting some offices and reducing staff strength.#uttar_pradesh #enforcement_directorate #samajwadi_party #ipac #vinesh_chandel

Enforcement Directorate Officer Honored for Professionalism in IPAC Raid The Enforcement Directorate (ED) honored its officer Prashant Chandila on May 1, 2026, for his exceptional professionalism during a high-stakes raid on the Intelligence and Public Affairs Commission (IPAC) office in Kolkata. The recognition occurred during the ED’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Delhi, where Chandila was among five officials awarded for their contributions. The event highlighted the critical role of Chandila’s actions during a tense operation that faced significant challenges. The raid, conducted in January 2026, targeted IPAC’s office in Salt Lake, Kolkata, as part of an investigation into coal smuggling. The operation unfolded amid heightened political tensions, as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the site, allegedly to disrupt the investigation. Reports indicated that she presented a green file before leaving, sparking allegations of interference in the probe. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress claimed the raid was part of a political strategy to undermine electoral processes. Chandila’s conduct during the operation was lauded for its composure and precision. Despite the volatile environment, he maintained strict adherence to protocol, ensuring the raid’s success. His meticulous preparation of a detailed list of evidence, known as the “Czar List” or “Panchnama,” became a pivotal document in subsequent legal proceedings. The Supreme Court later recognized this evidence as critical to the ED’s case, underscoring Chandila’s role in securing the investigation’s integrity. The ED’s decision to honor Chandila reflected broader recognition of his commitment to duty.#kolkata #enforcement_directorate #prashant_chandila #intelligence_and_public_affairs_commission #salt_lake

Mamata Banerjee TMC I-PAC Office ED Raid Case Update The Supreme Court on Thursday addressed the ongoing legal battle over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on the I-PAC office and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. The court raised concerns about the potential flood of petitions under Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to constitutional remedies. Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice N.V. Anjaria warned that if the court continues to entertain such cases, it could become overwhelmed with petitions from public officials, including the Chief Minister. The ED had argued that its officers faced personal and professional threats during the January 8 raid, which targeted I-PAC, a political consultancy firm linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The agency claimed that the raid was part of a 2020 money laundering investigation into a coal smuggling case involving Anoop Mazumdar, a businessman accused of orchestrating illegal coal extraction from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECOL). The ED alleged that I-PAC facilitated the transfer of ₹20 crore via hawala channels to launder the proceeds. During the hearing, the court questioned whether the ED’s actions violated the principle of "rule of law" and whether the agency’s officers had the right to bypass administrative channels to approach the Supreme Court directly. The ED defended its actions, stating that the raid was necessary to prevent the loss of critical evidence, including digital devices and documents. However, the court highlighted the contradiction in allowing ED officers to bypass procedures while denying similar rights to the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. The case gained prominence after Mamata allegedly entered the I-PAC office during the raid, allegedly taking files and electronic devices.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #enforcement_directorate #ipac #vinay_chandel

Supreme Court Warns of Far-Reaching Consequences if Constitutional Machinery Fails in West Bengal The Supreme Court on April 23, 2026, issued a stark warning that the failure of constitutional machinery in West Bengal could lead to far-reaching consequences, including the imposition of presidential rule. The court emphasized that such a scenario would not only disrupt the balance of power but also open the door to emergency-like measures under Article 356 of the Constitution. This came amid ongoing legal battles involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and allegations of executive interference in a high-profile case against the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The case centers on the ED’s investigation into alleged coal smuggling linked to I-PAC, a political consultancy firm. On January 8, 2026, ED conducted raids at I-PAC’s office in Kolkata and the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain. The ED claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government obstructed the investigation by deploying state machinery to block the probe. The ED argued that this interference violated the principle of legal governance and undermined the rule of law. During hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asserted that the state’s actions constituted a complete breakdown of law and order. He contended that Banerjee’s alleged interference was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of behavior, citing past instances where the government had similarly obstructed investigations. However, the Supreme Court cautioned against equating such actions with a complete collapse of the constitutional framework. Justice Anjaria hinted that the ED’s arguments could be seen as an overreach, emphasizing that Article 356 is a last resort and should not be invoked lightly.#mamata_banerjee #west_bengal #supreme_court #enforcement_directorate #pratik_jain

TMC Dismisses Reports of I-PAC Halting WB Operations, Mamata Promises Jobs for Staffers The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday categorically rejected allegations that the political consultancy firm I-PAC had suspended its operations in West Bengal, calling the claims “completely baseless” and accusing the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a conspiracy to undermine the party’s election campaign. The TMC’s sharp rebuttal came hours after media reports suggested I-PAC, which has been a key partner in the party’s electoral efforts since 2021, had instructed its employees in the state to halt work immediately and take a 20-day leave. According to a newspaper report, an email purportedly sent by I-PAC to its staff late on Saturday night cited “legal obligations” and stated that operations in West Bengal would remain suspended until May 11. However, the I-PAC has not yet issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims. In response, the TMC released an official communiqué asserting that the firm had not withdrawn from the party’s campaign. The statement emphasized that the I-PAC team in West Bengal “remains fully engaged” with the TMC and that campaign activities across the state were proceeding as planned. The TMC’s statement also accused the BJP and central agencies of attempting to sow confusion and distract from the “clear mood on the ground,” with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowing that the electorate of West Bengal would “respond democratically” to any such efforts. Banerjee, who addressed an election rally in Tarakeswar, accused the BJP and central authorities of trying to intimidate not only the TMC but also its workers.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #enforcement_directorate #ipac #prateek_jain

Bengal Polls: Trinamool Congress Denies I-PAC Operation Pause Amid Election Preparations The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday dismissed a news report alleging that the political consultancy Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) had suspended its operations in West Bengal ahead of the state Assembly elections, calling the claim “completely baseless.” The ruling party’s statement came as the state prepares for polls scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4. In a detailed response, the TMC clarified that I-PAC, which has managed the party’s election campaigns, including the 2021 Assembly elections, remained fully operational and actively engaged in campaign activities. The party accused the report of being a “deliberate attempt to create confusion on the ground” and emphasized that the people of Bengal would “respond democratically” to such misinformation. The disputed report, published by the Deccan Herald, claimed that I-PAC’s Bengal team had been instructed to take a 20-day leave, with a review expected on May 11. However, the TMC denied this, asserting that campaign efforts were proceeding as planned. The party also highlighted the ongoing legal battles over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent raids on I-PAC offices, which it described as an attempt to disrupt its electoral preparations. The ED’s actions have intensified in recent months. In April, the agency conducted searches at multiple locations linked to I-PAC officials, including premises in Kolkata. One of the firm’s directors, Vinesh Chandel, was arrested on April 13 and remanded to 10 days’ custody in connection with a coal smuggling case.#mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #enforcement_directorate #calcutta_high_court #indian_political_action_committee

Retd medical officer in ‘digital arrest’ duped of Rs2cr A 76-year-old retired medical officer from Laxmi Nagar in Nagpur has fallen victim to a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam, losing a total of Rs2 crore to fraudsters who impersonated government officials. According to a First Information Report (FIR) filed at the cyber police station on Saturday, the victim received threatening messages on his mobile number between March 23 and April 3. The scammers, posing as authorities from the Supreme Court, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Mumbai Police, and Reserve Bank of India (RBI), sent fake documents with official stamps via WhatsApp. These messages falsely claimed his bank accounts were linked to terrorist activities, prompting the senior citizen to transfer funds online. The FIR details indicate that the fraudsters used WhatsApp to communicate with the complainant, leveraging the urgency of legal threats to manipulate him into complying. The fake documents, which included official seals and purported legal notices, were designed to instill fear and urgency. The victim, reportedly a retired medical officer, was misled into transferring the money through online banking channels. The police have now invoked several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 340(1), 204, 61(2), and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act. These provisions address offenses such as criminal intimidation, forgery, and cybercrime. Despite the police investigation, no arrests have been made so far. Cyber experts have issued warnings to the public, particularly senior citizens, against sharing personal details or transferring funds in response to calls or messages claiming to be related to ‘digital arrests’ or fake warrants.#nagpur #supreme_court #enforcement_directorate #retired_medical_officer #laxmi_nagar

Astrologer Ashok Kharat: 2 Credit Societies, 132 Accounts, Rs 63 Crore Transactions: How Nashik 'Godman' Built His Fortunes NASHIK: Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is facing rape charges, allegedly opened more than 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra using different names and carried out transactions worth nearly Rs 63 crore over the past few years, a police official said. According to news agency PTI, one of the accounts was opened in the name of the sister of former Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, who resigned last month after her alleged links with Kharat surfaced following his arrest in Nashik. The details came to light during an ongoing probe by police in Ahilyanagar district in connection with a cheating case registered against Kharat, his wife Kalpana, and three others. The case pertains to the Kharat couple, residents of Nashik district, who allegedly attempted to grab four acres of land in Shirdi after extending a loan of Rs 5.52 crore to the owner. Shirdi police have arrested two middlemen in the case and are searching for Kalpana and another accused. To prevent her from leaving the country, a Lookout Notice has been issued against Kalpana, Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said. Immigration officials at designated airports, seaports, and land borders have been alerted in connection with the case. During the investigation into the cheating case registered in Shirdi, police found that Kharat had opened more than 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies in Ahilyanagar district in the names of different individuals. Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said these accounts recorded heavy transaction volumes over the past few years.#enforcement_directorate #shirdi #ashok_kharat #rupali_chakankar #somnath_gharge

Digital Arrest Scam: Senior Citizen Cheated of Rs23L Nagpur: Cyber fraudsters employed a deceptive "digital arrest" tactic to defraud a 78-year-old resident of Pratap Nagar of Rs23 lakh. The scam involved a fabricated terrorism case and threats of a fake arrest warrant, leading the elderly victim to transfer funds under duress. The incident, which unfolded between October 14, 2025, and March 19, 2026, highlights the growing threat of online impersonation and coercive tactics in cybercrime. The fraud began when the victim received a call from a mobile number registered as 9503831490. The caller, claiming to be Ravikumar Sharma of the Data Protection Board of India, informed the senior citizen that a SIM card and bank account had been opened in his name for a terrorism-related case. To intimidate him, the scammer sent伪造 documents bearing the seals and stamps of the Government of India, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Supreme Court of India. These fake documents were used to assert that an arrest warrant had been issued against the victim, warning him not to discuss the matter with anyone. Over the subsequent months, the fraudster coerced the 78-year-old into transferring Rs23 lakh, promising that the money would be returned within 24 hours after "clearing" his name. To maintain the victim's compliance, the scammers provided fake deposit receipts as proof of the transaction. The elderly man, fearing legal repercussions, followed the instructions despite the obvious nature of the deception. The victim eventually reported the incident to the cyber police station, prompting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). Authorities are now investigating the case, focusing on the authenticity of the documents and the identity of the fraudster.#cyber_police_station #supreme_court_of_india #enforcement_directorate #data_protection_board_of_india #pratap_nagar

HC: Banks can’t claim priority over properties attached under PMLA The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently delivered a landmark judgment with significant implications for financial institutions and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court ruled that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) takes precedence over laws governing debt recovery by banks, such as the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI) and the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy (RDB) Act. This decision reaffirmed the state’s sovereign authority to confiscate assets linked to criminal activities, even when those assets are mortgaged to banks. The case centered on a dispute between the ED and two major banks—HDFC Bank and Punjab National Bank—over the ownership of properties attached as “proceeds of crime.” The ED had seized properties worth nearly Rs24.92 crore, which were allegedly linked to financial gains from irregularities in coal block allocations. These properties had previously been mortgaged to the banks, which had initiated recovery proceedings after the accounts became non-performing. The ED, however, argued that the properties were part of a money laundering scheme and should not be subject to the banks’ secured claims. A division bench comprising Justices Mukulika Jawalkar and Nandesh Deshpande overturned the appellate tribunal’s earlier ruling that allowed the banks to enforce their claims. The court criticized the tribunal’s assumption that SARFAESI and RDB Acts could override PMLA, calling it “unsustainable” and contrary to established legal principles. The justices emphasized that the objectives of PMLA—confiscating illicit assets to combat money laundering—are fundamentally distinct from the goals of debt recovery statutes.#hdfc_bank #bombay_high_court #enforcement_directorate #pune_bank #pmla

DMK MP seeks ED probe against BJP leader in cash-for-votes case A member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party has approached the Madras High Court, requesting an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into allegations of a cash-for-votes scheme involving BJP leader Nainar Nagendran. The legal petition argues that the ED’s failure to act in the matter constitutes an "arbitrary and illegal" delay, with the petitioner suggesting that political considerations may be influencing the agency’s decision-making process. The case centers on accusations that Nagendran, a prominent BJP figure in Tamil Nadu, was involved in a scheme where cash was allegedly exchanged for votes during recent elections. The DMK MP, whose name is not specified in the text, claims that the ED has not taken proactive measures to probe the allegations despite the availability of evidence. The plea highlights concerns that the agency’s inaction is not based on legal grounds but rather on external pressures, potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The legal filing was submitted on March 26, 2026, and the court has yet to schedule a hearing. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, where allegations of electoral malpractice have been a recurring issue. The DMK, a major opposition party in the state, has consistently criticized the ruling BJP for alleged corruption and misuse of power. This development adds to the ongoing tensions between the two parties, which have been marked by frequent legal battles and public disputes. The ED, which is responsible for enforcing economic laws and investigating financial crimes, has not publicly commented on the matter.#madras_high_court #tamil_nadu #enforcement_directorate #dmk_mp #nainar_nagendran

Supreme Court Highlights Discrepancy in ADAG Debt Settlements Amid Loan Fraud Probe The Supreme Court on Monday highlighted concerns over the settlement of Rs 2983 crores in debts against Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) companies through insolvency proceedings, which were resolved for a mere Rs 26 crores. The court referenced a report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) indicating that these settlements were facilitated by eight Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) through a scheme known as "Project Help." The court emphasized the need for thorough investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to the ADAG, which faces a plea alleging a loan fraud involving over Rs 40,000 crores. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi was addressing the case, which seeks to probe the alleged fraud. The court had earlier criticized the "unexplained delay" in investigations by agencies and directed the ED and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite their probe. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, comprising ED officers, forensic analysts, and Bank of Baroda staff, with investigations into eight cases already underway. The court noted that claims totaling Rs 2983 crores were extinguished for a total settlement of Rs 26 crores, raising questions about the validity of the settlements. The ED report highlighted that all funding for insolvency petitions was arranged through the eight NBFCs under Project Help, suggesting potential manipulation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to undervalue assets.#supreme_court #central_bureau_of_investigation #enforcement_directorate #anil_dhirubhai_ambani_group #project_help

Bandhan Bank, IDBI Bank, Fino Payments Bank shares drop amid stake sale and probe speculation Shares of Bandhan Bank, IDBI Bank, and Fino Payments Bank fell sharply on Monday following reports about potential promoter stake sales, strategic divestment plans, and allegations of regulatory probes. The declines came as investors reacted to uncertainty surrounding the banks’ future and ongoing investigations into certain transactions. Bandhan Bank’s shares dropped 7.46% to close at ₹162.50 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, down from ₹175.60 the previous day. The fall followed reports that its promoter, Bandhan Financial Holdings, is considering options such as a stake sale or an initial public offering (IPO) to exit long-term investors like the Government of India’s investment arm, GIC. Bandhan Financial Holdings held a 39.07% stake in Bandhan Bank as of December 2025. The bank clarified in a stock exchange filing that it had not received any official communication about the stake sale plans. IDBI Bank’s shares plummeted 16.49% to ₹77, down from ₹92.20. The decline was linked to reports that the government’s planned strategic sale of the lender may have been scrapped due to financial bids falling below the reserve price. The Indian government and Life Insurance Corporation of India collectively own 94.71% of IDBI Bank, with 60.72% proposed for divestment. The bank stated it had not received any official notice about the cancellation of the divestment process. Fino Payments Bank’s shares fell 17.15% to ₹140.05, down from ₹169.05. The drop followed reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may investigate online gaming-related transactions involving the bank. The bank recently disclosed that its managing director and CEO, Rishi Gupta, was arrested on February 27 under GST-related provisions.#idbi_bank #enforcement_directorate #bandhan_bank #fino_payments_bank #rishi_gupta

Arvind Kejriwal moves Supreme Court to transfer excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to reject his request to transfer the excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, denied Kejriwal’s plea on March 13, citing administrative reasons. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks to address concerns about potential bias in the handling of the case. Kejriwal’s legal team argued that Justice Sharma’s recent order, issued on March 9, lacked clarity and raised questions about impartiality. The High Court had stayed the trial court’s direction to investigate a CBI officer involved in the excise policy case and directed the trial court to defer proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Justice Sharma also criticized the trial court’s observations, stating some were erroneous. In his petition, Kejriwal expressed apprehension that Justice Sharma’s involvement could compromise the case’s fairness. He highlighted that the High Court’s order did not provide reasons for the ex parte restraint imposed, which he argued was an extraordinary measure requiring clear grounds of illegality or perversity. Kejriwal also noted that the High Court’s directive to defer PMLA proceedings, despite the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not being a party to the case, further raised concerns about judicial neutrality. The trial court had earlier discharged Kejriwal and 22 others in the excise policy case, a decision challenged by the CBI.#delhi_high_court #arvind_kejriwal #justice_swarana_kanta_sharma #devendra_kumar_upadhyaya #enforcement_directorate