The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Sahara Group director Anil Abraham and property broker Jitendra Prasad on charges of money laundering. They are accused of illegally selling assets and misappropriating public funds. The ED investigation is ongoing.
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s Kolkata unit has intensified its crackdown on the Sahara Group, this time extending its reach to former officials and brokers associated with the group. The ED has arrested Anil Abraham, a former director of the Sahara Group, and Jitendra Prasad, a property broker. Both are accused of illegally selling properties in collusion with the group and engaging in money laundering.
According to ED sources, these arrests are related to the long-standing financial irregularities and misuse of assets within the group. The Sahara Group owes approximately ₹1.74 lakh crore to the general public, which has not yet been returned. In light of this, investigative agencies are closely monitoring the misappropriation of funds and money laundering activities.
Raid Conducted Based on Confidential Information
The Enforcement Directorate had received confidential information some days ago indicating that certain properties of the Sahara Group were being sold illegally and the proceeds were being laundered through money laundering channels. Based on this information, the ED conducted raids at multiple locations in Kolkata simultaneously. During these raids, Anil Abraham and Jitendra Prasad were arrested. Anil Abraham was considered a top official within the Sahara Group and served as a director for a long time. Jitendra Prasad is reported to be an experienced property dealer who was involved in several deals of Sahara.
Illegal Sale of Properties and Misappropriation of Funds
The initial investigation by the ED revealed that some valuable properties of the Sahara Group were sold at significantly undervalued prices and the proceeds from these deals were attempted to be whitewashed through hawala and other channels. Anil and Jitendra were found to have played a key role in this. According to sources, these deals were not recorded in any documents, and all transactions were conducted in cash. Fake companies and benami accounts were used to conceal the money trail.
More Officials Under ED Surveillance
The ED is now continuously questioning both the accused to get to the root of this scam. The agency suspects that many more senior officials of the Sahara Group may be involved in this case. ED sources suggest that more arrests may follow in the coming days. The Enforcement Directorate is viewing this case as a large money laundering syndicate. Its roots may be spread across many states in the country, and this is not an isolated incident.
Efforts to Recover Public Funds
The Sahara Group owes money to lakhs of investors across the country. Despite the directives of the Supreme Court, investors have not yet received their money. In such a situation, this action by the ED is being seen as a ray of hope that perhaps the layers of this scam will be uncovered and the culprits will be punished. The aim of the ED through this action is not only to stop money laundering but also to find a way to recover the outstanding money of the general public and provide relief to the investors.
