CBI Investigation | Business Upturn

ED Attaches ₹10.80 Crore Properties in Forged Bank Guarantee Scam

Rashmi Pandey — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:34:43 +0000

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), through its Headquarters Investigation Unit in New Delhi, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth approximately ₹10.80 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 in connection with an ongoing investigation into a large-scale fraud involving forged bank guarantees.

According to an official press release issued on April 17, 2026, the action has been taken against M/s Teerth Gopicon Limited (TGL) and its promoters for allegedly fabricating and submitting forged bank guarantees to government agencies to secure public funds.

The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Bhopal, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and Rajasthan Police. These FIRs pertain to offences including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which are scheduled offences under the PMLA.

ED’s probe revealed that TGL, under the control of its Managing Director Mahesh Kumbhani, allegedly conspired with several individuals, including a senior official of Punjab National Bank, to create forged bank guarantees purportedly issued by Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda. These were submitted to Madhya Pradesh Jal Nigam Maryadit and Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited to fraudulently obtain advance payments amounting to approximately ₹202.01 crore from public funds.

A key element of the alleged fraud was the use of a spoofed email domain, “pnb-india.co”, designed to mimic official bank communication channels. Fake verification emails were sent to government agencies to validate the forged guarantees.

The ED stated that proceeds of crime were routed through TGL’s accounts and diverted to personal accounts of the promoters and their family members, including Mahesh Kumbhani, his wife Chandrikaben Kumbhani, and son Pallav Kumbhani. Around ₹22.12 crore was allegedly siphoned off and later layered and invested in immovable properties located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The CBI has already arrested key accused individuals and filed a chargesheet before a special court in Indore in September 2025. The properties attached include nine immovable assets such as residential apartments and a commercial space.

The ED confirmed that the total proceeds of crime identified so far stand at approximately ₹202.01 crore, and further investigation is ongoing to trace additional assets and individuals involved.

CBI concludes Sushant Singh Rajput death case after extensive investigation

Jennifer Philip — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:27:43 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially filed a closure report in the case concerning the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, concluding that there is no evidence of foul play. This marks the end of a comprehensive investigation that began in August 2020, following the actor’s untimely demise on June 14, 2020.

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment, leading to widespread speculation and media coverage. Initially handled by the Mumbai Police, the case was later transferred to the CBI after the Supreme Court’s directive, which upheld the validity of the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Bihar Police based on a complaint filed by Rajput’s father.

The CBI’s investigation encompassed multiple facets, including allegations against Rajput’s then-girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty, and her family. The agency meticulously examined various angles, including financial transactions and potential abetment to suicide. However, after thorough scrutiny, the CBI found no evidence to support claims of foul play or criminal involvement in Rajput’s death.

As part of the investigation, a panel of forensic experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was consulted. The panel ruled out the possibility of murder, aligning with the findings of the Mumbai Police’s initial assessment. This medical evaluation played a crucial role in guiding the direction of the investigation.

Legal Proceedings

Throughout the investigation, various legal proceedings took place, including the arrest and subsequent bail of Rhea Chakraborty in a related drug case. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a parallel investigation into alleged drug use in Bollywood, which brought additional attention to the case but was separate from the CBI’s findings regarding the cause of Rajput’s death.

The case attracted significant public interest and media scrutiny, leading to numerous debates and discussions about mental health, the pressures of the film industry, and the role of media in high-profile investigations. The closure report by the CBI aims to bring a conclusion to the speculations surrounding the case.

With the filing of the closure report, the CBI has effectively concluded its investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, stating that there is no evidence of foul play.

CBI files case against news portal, conducts searches

United News of India (UNI) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:00:20 +0000

New Delhi, Oct 11 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against NewsClick and others associated with the news portal including its Director for alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and carried out searches at two locations in the national capital, the federal anti-crime agency said on Wednesday.

According to a CBI statement, NewsClick had received an unexplained export remittance of Rs 28.46 crore through four foreign entities in violation of FCRA provisions.

It was further alleged that there was an unexplained receipt of a foreign fund of Rs 9.59 crore by incorrect characterisation of the fund as FDI,

The agency claimed the Director of the said company with his close associates had allegedly violated the provisions of FCRA, 2010.

CBI also alleged that the provisions of FCRA, 2010, prohibiting the acceptance of foreign contribution by a company engaged in the production and broadcast of audio-visual news or current affairs programme through any electronic mode and by any correspondent or columnist or writer or owner of such company, were violated.

Searches were conducted at two locations in Delhi at the premises of the accused. The investigation is underway, it added.

Earlier this month, the Special Cell of Delhi Police filed a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and conducted raids at the residence of a number of journalists linked to NewsClick. After that police arrested two persons, Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, in this connection. A total of 37 male suspects were questioned at the premises, while nine female suspects were questioned at their respective places of stay, Delhi Police had said then.

Some digital devices and documents were reportedly seized and collected for further examination, police earlier said.

In a posting on X, NewsClick said: “The CBI is currently conducting search and seizure operations at the NewsClick office and the residence of our Editor-in-Chief. This is the fifth agency that is investigating us. We are cooperating with the authorities.”

CBI initiates probe into FCRA violation against NewsClick, raids founder’s premises

Mahita Jain — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:48:09 +0000

In a noteworthy development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into suspected breaches of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by NewsClick. This investigative move included searches carried out at both the home and workplace of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick, introducing a fresh phase in the continuous examination being undergone by the news portal.

The CBI is looking into NewsClick because they think it might have links to China and questionable money matters. The Enforcement Directorate had looked into this before and took away Prabir Purkayastha’s belongings.The FIR, which is like a formal complaint by the Delhi Police, says Prabir Purkayastha worked with a group called Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism to spoil the 2019 general elections. It also says that Chinese companies like Xiaomi and Vivo made fake companies to put foreign money into the plan.According to secret information mentioned in the FIR, both Indian and foreign groups put a lot of money illegally, trying to harm India’s sovereignty, its land, and unity. The FIR also mentions Gautam Navlakha, an activist, and Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire, saying they were involved in spreading Chinese propaganda.Last week, the Delhi Police arrested Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick’s Human Resources head, Amit Chakravorty.

They were charged under a strict law called the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).NewsClick vehemently denies the charges, asserting that it has never published news at the behest of any Chinese entity and has not taken directions from Singham. The news portal emphasizes that all its funding has been through appropriate channels, reported to relevant authorities, and substantiated by the Reserve Bank of India.The unfolding investigation adds a layer of complexity to the media landscape, with industry observers closely watching the developments as NewsClick navigates through the legal challenges and refutes the allegations brought against it.

Former PEC Chief faces CBI probe in ₹194 .61 crore Cheating Case

Mahita Jain — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:25:16 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged a fresh case against former chairman and managing director of PEC, Arun Kumar Mirchandani, along with several other former officials. The case revolves around alleged financial irregularities causing a loss of Rs 194.61 crore to the public sector enterprise. Previously, CBI was registered several other cases against Mirchandani and former PEC officials, related to a government enterprise under the Ministry of Commerce. PEC, which helps with bringing things into and out of the country and gives money help to people bringing things in, is now caught up in a confusing mess of mishandling money.

As per authorities, the recent case revolves around KS Oils based in Morena, which allegedly obtained financial help from PEC to bring in raw edible oil. This included making partnership agreements and obtaining funding through seven letters of credit during 2012-13. The security in this situation involved using post-dated cheques (PDCs).Letters of credit (LC) served as guarantees by banks on behalf of customers, ensuring payment commitments. PEC, in turn, took buyer’s credit from corresponding foreign banks. However, KS Oils is alleged to have obtained goods fraudulently, promising to settle its liabilities with PDCs but failing to do so within the credit period.As a consequence, PEC had to meet buyer’s credit obligations on due dates, leading to a total outstanding amount of approximately Rs 194.61 crore, with the principal sum standing at Rs 59.82 crore, as stated in the complaint lodged by PEC on July 14.The FIR also shows that PEC made agreements called ‘High Sea Sale’ and a ‘Deed of Pledge’ to make sure they get some profit from trades. The company also made credit periods longer by rolling over foreign letters of credit.”Moreover, these were third-party agricultural land in multiple parcels against which neither equitable mortgage was created nor was it freely saleable to secure the interest of PEC. Mirchandani, as a member of Committee of Management, approved the proposal for enhancement of financial limit from Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore…against the aforesaid property document of agricultural land,” the FIR said. PEC alleged that he failed to protect the interest of the company while approving proposals.He allegedly permitted an increase in KS Oils’ financial limit using collateral security of agricultural land, ignoring accurate valuation reports. Other former officials, including Rajiv Chaturvedi, SK Mamtani, SC Rishi, SK Virmani, and KS Oils’ managing director Ramesh Chand Garg, are also named in the FIR. The CBI’s investigation reveals a complex financial scandal, alleging mismanagement and misconduct within PEC, necessitating a thorough examination of the matter.

CBI searches 25 locations in connection to case filed against Assam BSNL officials

Dixita Hazarika — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 08:19:52 +0000

The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), on Friday conducted searches at 25 locations including offices and residential premises of accused in the States of Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha & Haryana etc. in connection to a FIR filed against 21 BSNL officials including a former general manager. This action was taken on the basis of a complaint, which was registered by the Assam Circle BSNL, Guwahati.

In a recent press release issued by the CBI on its official website, they stated, “ It was alleged that the public servants entered into conspiracy with Contractor & others and in pursuance thereof, cheated BSNL. It was further alleged that the Contractor was given work order for laying National Optical Fibre Network Cable through open trenching method @ Rs.90,000/- per km. It was also alleged that later on, the contractor made different pleas including no right of way from owner of private land, etc., to convert open trenching method to Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method ( @ Rs.2,30,000/- per km ) in spite of provision of right of way, easement clause in the contract, thereby violated tender clause and caused loss of Rs.22 crore(approx) to the BSNL.”

According to the press release, FIR has been registered against BSNL Assam Circle officials including former General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Chief Accounts Officer etc. of BSNL, Jorhat, Sibsagar,Guwahati and others including Private persons.

The searches that were conducted today led to recovery of incriminating articles. Further investigation is still going on.

Sameer Wankhede subject to CBI investigation in Aryan Khan Drugs Case

Sakshi Vats — Fri, 12 May 2023 19:48:44 +0000

Early in October 2021, Aryan Khan, the superstar of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan’s son, was detained in connection with the Mumbai cruise drugs inquiry. The process of giving Aryan Khan bail involved multiple court hearings and lasted for over four weeks. The Narcotics Control Bureau cleared him of any wrongdoing in the narcotics case eight months later. The same case has now returned to haunt three officials, including the former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede, who oversaw the investigation.

The owners of the Cordelia ship, where Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan was detained in the alleged drug case, were asked for a bribe of 25 crore by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) official Sameer Wankhede, according to a corruption complaint filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In the same case, four additional people have also been named for allegedly trying to bribe someone with 25 crore for “not framing” Aryan Khan in the drug case.In conjunction with the bribery case, the investigating agency is also conducting raids at Sameer Wankhede’s residence. The searches, according to the officials with information of the matter, have taken place at 29 different locations in Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi, and Kanpur.

According to the sources, the CBI was informed that Sameer Wankhede and an ally allegedly paid a 50 lakh advance to avoid naming Aryan Khan in the drug case.

On October 2, 2021, Aryan Khan was detained on the Cordelia cruise liner in connection with an alleged drugs bust. Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan was detained by Sameer Wankhede during a raid on the Cordelia Cruise at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal for an alleged drugs offence.

The case was initially filed with accusations of drug possession, use, and trafficking. The NCB released Aryan Khan after 22 days in custody in May 2022 owing to “lack of sufficient evidence.

NSE phone tapping case: Notice to ED and CBI regarding ex-Mumbai CP

Yakita Somani — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:07:44 +0000

The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday in response to Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey’s bail application in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) phone tapping and snooping case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on money laundering charges in the case, and he is currently in judicial custody.

On Tuesday, the Court also served notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on other petitions filed by Sanjay Pandey seeking the quashing of FIRs registered against him under various sections of the IPC, the IT Act, and the Telegraph Act, among other things.

After hearing the submission made by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for petitioner Sanjay Pandey, the Bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh set the matter for September 16, 2022.

In the ED case, the trial court recently denied him bail, stating that given the broad probability based on the evidence presented, the accused’s involvement in the offence of money laundering as defined by the Apex Court cannot be ruled out.

Furthermore, the applicant, Sanjay Pandey was the top cop of Mumbai police until June 30, 2022, so the Investigating Agency’s concern prosecution that the applicant may influence witnesses or tamper with evidence is not unfounded, according to the trial court in denying him bail.

Sanjay Pandey claimed in his bail request before the trial court that “the current proceedings are a political fallout of his honest and sincere discharge of his duty as a senior police officer” and that “he has investigated and prosecuted several high-profile and politically sensitive cases.”

CBI recovers valuable items worth Rs 12.50 crore in Bank Fraud Case

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:36:23 +0000

New Delhi, July 28: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recovered paintings, watches, gold and diamond jewelry valued at around Rs 12.50 crores during searches in an on-going investigation of a case related to alleged loss of Rs 34,615 crore to consortium of 17 banks, the probe agency said on Thursday.

The agency conducted searches in connection with the case. Two paintings worth Rs 5.50 crore, two watches of Rs 5 crore and Gold and Diamond Jewellery including Bangles & Necklace Rs 2 crore were recovered. It was also alleged that the Promoters had acquired expensive items. Using the diverted funds, the CBI statement stated.

During investigation, the then CMD and then Director. Both of private companies based at Mumbai were arrested. And both are presently in CBI custody.

A case was registered on June 20 on the basis of the complaint received from Union Bank of India, Industrial Finance Branch, Mumbai. Against private (Borrower) company based at Mumbai, its then CMD, then Director. And others including a private person and private companies on the allegations that the accused cheated a consortium of 17 banks of Rs 34,615 crore. By siphoning off loans availed from the said banks and falsifying the books of said private (Borrower) company. And creating Shell Companies/false entities. Which had come to be known as “Bandra Book Entities”, it stated.

It was alleged that the said private company and its promoters had created a number of shell companies and fictitious entities (the Bandra Book entities). And siphoned off huge funds by disbursing funds to such fictitious entities. It was further alleged that separate audits conducted by other private audit accounting organisations had identified multiple instances of diversion of funds. By the accused for personal benefits and falsification of books of accounts to camouflage. And conceal dubious transactions.
Earlier, searches were conducted at various locations in Mumbai at the premises of the accused. Which led to recovery of incriminating documents. Investigation is underway.

Calcutta High Court allows lawyer to file PIL for CBI probe on KK’s death

Dipankar Ray — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:32:06 +0000

On Monday, 6th June 2021 the Calcutta High court has allowed lawyer Ravishankar Chatterjee to file a PIL demanding a CBI enquiry into the death of beloved singer Krishnakumar Kunnath aka KK.

Calcutta High Court allows lawyer Ravishankar Chatterjee to file a PIL demanding CBI enquiry into the death of singer KK

The singer had passed away on May 31 after a live performance in Kolkata, West Bengal

— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2022

The PIL has been accepted by the Chief Justice of the High. As per the latest reports received from the reporters on the ground. The recent updates clear that it is very likely that a date can be given by the High court by today evening.

The student bodies and the organizing team responsible for the event have been asked to testify in court if the PIL moves further. The CBI investigation to be conducted is also on similar lines as it would question the management policies of the university which had brought the singer and also of the state police against whom doubts have been raised for not working efficiently.

The veteran singer had passed away on May 31st after a live performance at the Nazrul Mancha, Kolkata, West Bengal. The singer was 53 when he passed away.

Recent speculations over the death of the singer had revealed that the singer was feeling unwell. And had also mentioned it to his producers and others. The singer was seen to have been quite distressed and continuously wiping his face with a cloth.

Questions have been asked about the whole set-up at the Nazrul Mancha during the concert. The organisers have complained about the lack of proper management. And the security forces needed to control the whole crowd that had gathered in the auditorium on 31st.

Further updates regarding the matter are still awaited.

CBI starts new corruption investigation on Lalu Prasad Yadav and daughter

Aryan Jakhar — Fri, 20 May 2022 05:48:45 +0000

Lalu Prasad Yadav has been charged in a new corruption case over alleged irregularities in recruitment. During his time as Railways Minister, just weeks after being given bail in a fodder fraud case.

In the current investigation, Mr Yadav’s family members have now been listed as suspects.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began searching 15 places associated with the Rashtriya Janata Dal founder today. Also, including his houses.

The CBI claims that Mr Yadav and his family members were given land. Moreover, assets as a bribe in exchange for railway posts.

Last month, the 73-year-old senior lawmaker was granted bail in the 139 crore Doranda Treasury scam case. Lest, by the Jharkhand High Court. In February, a CBI special court sentenced him to five years in prison in the case. As well as he was also fined a whopping 60 lakh rupees.

Mr Yadav was convicted in his sixth fodder fraud conviction in the treasury scam.

During the raids this morning, video showed police officers at the Patna home of Mr Yadav’s wife. Thus, who was the former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi.

CBI files FIR against Bengal Jr Education Minister Paresh Adhikari

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 19 May 2022 13:13:57 +0000

Kolkata, May 19: Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to be at the city airport this evening. So that Minister of State for School Education Paresh Chandra Adhikari could be escorted directly to the CBI office. For questioning over the alleged illegal appointment of his daughter. As a teacher in a government sponsored school. Adhikari was seen at the Bagdogra airport in north Bengal to catch a 5 pm flight bound for Kolkata.

Meanwhile, the CBI has filed an FIR against the minister. And his daughter Ankita Adhikari for non-cooperation in the questioning following a high court order. Single bench judge justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay. After hearing a petition filed by one Babita Sarkar. Who alleged that the minister daughter got teaching job despite being below of her rank in the merit list. Had asked the minister to appear before the CBI at NIzam Palace at 8 pm on Tuesday.

The minister, however, went incommunicado. He was seen taking a train on Tuesday. From North Bengal and detraining in Burdhaman on the next morning. The judge again directed the minister to be at the CBI office by 3 pm on Thursday. When the court was told that the minister was in Coochbehar. And it would take time to report at the CBI office. The judge relaxed the timing.

The direction was issued to the minister. When the court was told by the petitioner that she had secured 77 marks in the recruitment examination. The Minister’s daughter had secured only 61. Justice Gangopadhyay ordered the Police Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to get in touch with the airport authorities. So that as soon as Adhikari arrives at the city airport. He could be taken to the CBI office in the city. “If Mr. Adhikari is not found in the said flight. Which will start from Bagdogra at 17:00 hours it will be treated as a hoax created. To save himself from the Court and the CBI“. Justice Gangopadhyay warned. The Court further observed that the matter will be dealt appropriately if any violation of the Court’s order takes place.

CBI investigate Punjab AAP MLA for Rs 40 crore “bank fraud” case

Aryan Jakhar — Sat, 07 May 2022 12:47:26 +0000

The CBI is conducting searches at three Sangrur locations linked to Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra in a bank fraud case involving over Rs 40 crore, officials said Saturday.

They said the searches are being conducted in the Maler Kotla area of Sangrur district. In connection with the case against the Amargarh MLA. With the location being his ancestral home.

According to them, the case was filed in response to a complaint filed by Bank of Baroda.

Meanwhile, the AAP accused the BJP and its governments on Saturday. Of protecting its “goon” who incited riots in Punjab. A day after Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga was returned to the capital following a high-voltage drama. That drew the police of three states and triggered a political slugfest.

The Delhi BJP leader was arrested from his home here by Punjab Police, detained in Haryana while being transported to Punjab, and returned to the national capital by Delhi Police hours later.

The BJP has accused the Punjab Police of “abducting” its leader, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Arvind Kejriwal, and the AAP chief of pursuing vendetta through the state police.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has denied the charge, claiming that Bagga was arrested for allegedly inciting communal tensions in Punjab.

The Delhi Police have opened a kidnapping investigation after receiving a complaint from Bagga’s father, Preetpal Singh.

The next day, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted in Hindi, “The entire BJP and its governments are involved in saving one of their goons who spoke against the brotherhood in Punjab and incited riots.”

CBI investigation connections

“The BJP is a goon party that forces its government to act like goons. These people never, ever, ever discuss education, health, inflation, or unemployment “He claimed.

The Delhi Police said on Saturday that. It will make the necessary security arrangements for Bagga. Since, after the BJP leader expressed concern for his safety.

“Bagga expressed concern about his safety and security. We’ll make the necessary security arrangements “. According to a senior officer.

The AAP claimed on Friday that Bagga was apprehended in Delhi. Lest, by the Punjab Police for attempting to incite communal tension. Also, violence in the border state, rejecting the BJP’s charge of vendetta.

Despite the fact that AAP chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj mentioned the April 29 clashes in Patiala. The Punjab Police said it arrested the Delhi BJP leader from his residence in the capital. In connection with a case registered in Mohali on April 1.

Bagga’s remarks on March 30. When he was part of a BJP youth wing protest outside the Delhi chief minister’s residence. Were referenced in the April 1 FIR.

The April 1 FIR was filed under relevant IPC sections. Also, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place, etc.). 505 (whoever makes, publishes, or circulates any statement, rumour, or report). And 506 (whoever makes, publishes, or circulates any statement, rumour, or report) (criminal intimidation).

Moreover, Bagga was chastised by the AAP. Which governs both Delhi and Punjab. For his tweet criticising Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the film ‘The Kashmir Files.’

CBI conducts searches at EPFO offices in Nagpur

United News of India (UNI) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:07:29 +0000

Nagpur, April 13: A joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Vigilance Department of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization(EPFO) conducted searches at two EPFO offices in Nagpur city of Maharashtra, sources said here on Wednesday. The searches were conducted after receiving some complaints that some EPFO officials were giving favors to private firms. The Anti-Corruption Branch of CBI Nagpur and the EPFO’s vigilance team from Mumbai started the searches on Tuesday morning in the EPFO offices located at Tukdoji square and Umred road here and continued till late night, sources said. Sources further said a large number of files and PF entries of Provident Fund(PF)were checked. By the joint teams during the searches.

Besides, several documents have been seized, said sources . Pertinently filing of PF is compulsory for the company with more than 20 employees. The search team on Tuesday found that some EPFO officials had issued notices to schools and private companies. Having more than 20 employees but no further action was taken in such cases. Having received the notices, the owners of such firms allegedly settled down the cases amicably.

It is being suspected that the firm owners managed to convince the EPFO officials. That their firms were operating with below than 20 employees. The joint team are investigating the reasons. For closing of such files by the EPFO staff without proper inquiry , said sources. The CBI officials also questioned the EPFO employees about the reason for closing various files. Some EPFO officials are also likely to be called for further enquiry, sources said. The searches were conducted under the guidance of CBI SP Salim Khan.

Calcutta High Court orders CBI probe into Councillor murder witness’s death

United News of India (UNI) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:07:55 +0000

Kolkata, April 12: Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to probe the mysterious death of Niranjan Baisnab, one of the prime witnesses of Congress Councilor Tapan Kandu’s murder in West Bengal’s Jhalda, Baishnab was found hanging at his Baisnabpara house in Jhalda town of Purulia district on April 6 morning. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha after hearing the counsels of the contesting parties. Asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the death of Baishnab, a close childhood friend of Tapan Kandu. He was also with the Congress leader when the miscreants shot him dead on March 13 in Jhalda.

The court observed that Baishnab’s death seemingly has links with Kandu’s murder. The court also directed the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) of state police. To hand over all the documents to the federal probe agency and refrain from conducting any investigation on Baishnab’s death. Baishnab, considered a key witness in Kandu’s murder, was found hanging by a rope in his room on April 6, the day the CBI sleuths visited Jhalda for the first tie following the Calcutta High Court’s directive to take over the case.

A purported hand-written suicide note found in the room claimed that Baishnab was under “severe stress”. Because of repeated phone calls from the police in connection with the Kandu’s murder. His mobile phone was also missing. “I have been under mental stress since the day I saw Tapan’s death. The scene of his death is coming back to my mind every moment. The mental stress is aggravated by the repeated calls from the police,” said the note. “I had never visited any police station in my life. This is becoming unbearable. I have taken this decision on my own. And no one has forced me to take my life,” the letter added. Baisnab’s elder brother has alleged that the police had been harassing his brother since the night Tapan Kandu was murdered.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff. And is published from a syndicated feed.)

CBI arrests another suspect in Bengal’s Bogtui carnage

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:53:04 +0000

Bolpur (West Bengal), April 11: The CBI, probing the Bogtui carnage in which nine people were burnt alive in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. Has arrested the father-in-law of one of the main suspects, officials said on Monday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has so far made five arrests ever. Since it took over the case from the state government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) on March 26 following a Calcutta High Court order. Last week, the federal agency had taken into custody four suspects from different hideouts in Mumbai. And brought them to the state on transit remand. On Sunday, the CBI sleuths picked up Samir Sheikh. The father-in-law of Lalon Sheikh, one of the main suspects in the March 21 gruesome incident. In which seven women and a minor, as also a man were burnt alive.

The gory incident happened hours after Trinamool Congress leader Bhadu Sheikh was bombed to death. By four unidentified miscreants at a tea stall in the area under Rampurhat block. Around 200 kilometers from Kolkata. Samir is the 26th person to be arrested in the Bogtui carnage. Lalon Sheikh has been on the run since the night of the crime. Said to have been planned and executed by his followers. Lalan was also a close lieutenant of Bhadhu Sheikh. The Deputy Chief of the TMC-run Barsal Panchayat and a powerful man in the area. The CBI also searched Bhadu Sheikh’s house on Sunday and seized incriminating documents. The premier probe agency also quizzed the widow of Bhadu Sheikh. As part of its inquiry into his murder following an order from the Calcutta High Court on Saturday

CBI asks for 5 days of additional custody for Anil Deshmukh

Aryan Jakhar — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:53:17 +0000

The CBI has registered a case against former state Home Minister Anil Dekhmukh in Delhi in connection with a financial scam. Deshmukh is currently in the custody of the CBI for questioning and his remand was due to expire today. However, the CBI demanded that he be remanded in custody for another five days. (CBI seeks five more days of custody of Anil Deshmukh and three others)

Five days ago, the CBI had sought a 10-day remand of Anil Deshmukh in a special CBI court. However, the court had remanded him in custody for five days till April 11. Deshmukh has been remanded in court today as his remand expires today.

Meanwhile, the CBI has sought five more days remand for the former state Home Minister. And three other accused Sachin Waze, Palande and Shinde. The CBI had asked the court to extend the remand. As it was necessary to interrogate more witnesses and suspects in the case.

Chitra Ramakrishna’s anticipatory bail plea denied by CBI

Mymun Malik — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 08:17:18 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) denied Chitra Ramakrishna’s anticipatory bail plea; she was the former supremo of NSE.

The CBI slapped an opposition to her bail plea for her alleged involvement in the NSE co-location case. Anand Subramanian (former) who served NSE as a group operation officer got arrested by the CBI officials from Chennai recently.

CBI has detained Anand Subramanian in their custody till 6th March. Consecutively for 96 hours Anand was questioned by the CBI officials to extract explicit details of the co-location case.

The previous investigation pointed towards Anand to be the mysterious baba ‘Yogi’ or he knew who the real baba ‘Yogi’ was, who had been advising Chitra Ramakrishna about the daily functionality at NSE.

Anand had been appointed as the group operating officer back in the day by Chitra at NSE and he used to advise Chitra on the inner functionality of the NSE although, he lacked capital markets expertise to venture in or advise.

The agency had taken their investigation to the core and probed further into the NSE co-location case filed by them in 2018. Under the CBI scanner, several names got highlighted. These were Sanjay Gupta from OPG Securities PVT LTD, his brother-in-law Aman Kakrody, a data scientist Ajay Shah, unknown yet few officials of NSE and SEBI. CBI claims that these names and the trio (Chitra, Anand, Baba Yogi) have let the illegal transactions continue for years now.

The interesting fact to note; back in 2018 when CBI filed the co-location case in their FIR Chitra was not the prime accused however “Unidentified officials of SEBI and NSE in Mumbai” were mentioned in the FIR of May 2018.

CBI arrests Anand Subramanian for alleged irregularities in NSE

Sathvika Chelakani — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 04:25:23 +0000

The CBI arrested former National Stock Exchange Group Operating Officer Anand Subramanian on Friday after trying to expand its three-year investigation into the exchange’s co-location scam in light of “new facts” revealed in a damning Sebi report.

As per the reports, Subramanian was apprehended late Thursday night. According to officials, he was questioned in Chennai for several days before the agency agreed to arrest him.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has accused former National Stock Exchange (NSE) CEO Chitra Ramkrishna and those with claimed governance lapses in Subramanian’s appointment as a chief strategic advisor and his re-designation as team operating officer and MD advisor.

Sebi penalized Ramkrishna Rs 3 crore, NSE, Subramanian, former NSE MD and CEO Ravi Narain Rs 2 crore each, and V R Narasimhan, the chief regulatory officer and compliance officer, Rs 6 lakh.

Delhi Court orders probe in Pearl group scam case

Malvika Choudhary — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 09:32:34 +0000

The Delhi Court ordered the investigating agency to conduct an investigation under audiovisuals CCTV surveillance and permit the presence of the advocate for the Applicant/Accused throughout his interrogation by the CBI in the Pearl Group scam case.

On December 23, 11 more people were arrested who allegedly collected about ₹60,000 crores from close to 5.50 crore investors from all over the country by setting unauthorised schemes. India largest investment Ponzi scheme fraud had reportedly conned 5.5 crore people.

PACL was banned in 2015 by the markets regulator for illegally collecting at least ₹49,100 crores from 58 million investors over 18 years. In 2015, the Supreme Court had formed a panel under retired Justice R.M. Lodha to dispose of PACL’s assets and refund the money,

“Chander Bhushan Dhillon, Prem Seth, Manmohan Kamal Mahajan, Mohanlal Sehajpal, Kanwaljit Singh Toor are the employees of the Pearls Group who have been placed under arrest. Apart from the,m we arrested Delhi, Chandigarh and Kolkata-based businessmen Praveen Kumar Agarwal, Manoj Kumar Jain, Akash Agarwal, Anil Kumar Khemka, Subhash Agarwal and Rajesh,” said a CBI official.

Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal also said that custodial interrogation of the above-accused persons would probably draw out important leads and help in extracting the detailed modus operandi adopted by the accused persons in the present case and to work out the entire ramifications of the alleged larger conspiracy between these accused persons and other accused persons.

The Court on December 23 sent them to CBI remand for 2 days. CBI will produce them again before the court today. Advocate Vijay Aggarwal along with Advocates Rhythm Aggarwal and Saurav Chaudhary appearing one of the accused in the case submitted before the court that to achieve a fair investigation the directions laid down by the Supreme Court in the Paramvir Singh case must be strictly followed.

MHA suggests CBI probe into acquisition of 1,000 low-floor buses by Delhi govt

Sneha Sengupta — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:27:51 +0000

On August 19, The Ministry of Home Affairs suggested an investigation headed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the purchase of 1,000 low-floor buses by the Delhi government.

Earlier this year, the Delhi cabinet sanctioned the engagement of 300 low-floor electric AC buses by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

As per the route planned, 118 buses were to start in October, 100 by November and 60 buses were to be included by December of the current year whereas the remaining 20 buses are probable to reach by January 2022, reported Times Now.

The discussion of “corruption” in the annual maintenance contract (AMC) of the bus procurement by the Delhi Transport Corporation was brought into light by the BJP in Delhi Assembly in March this year. A three-member bench crafted by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in June had discovered procedural “flaws” in the AMC and its scrapping suggestion. The LG had conferred the matter to the MHA in July for its consideration, the officials averred.

As per the report in The Indian Express, while the purchase contract was worth Rs 850 crore, the 12-year AMC was for Rs 3,412 crore. The purchase tender was awarded to JBM Auto and Tata Motors on a 70:30 ratio while JBM Auto had also emerged as the L1 bidder in the AMC tendering, the report added.

CBI files ‘corruption case’ against former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

News Desk — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 06:20:02 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case and is conducting searches in connection with the corruption allegations involving former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, according to an agency official.

The agency carried out searches at various locations, including his residence, in Mumbai on Saturday in connection with the case.

“The searches are being carried out at various places,” said the official on Saturday. The agency had earlier initiated a preliminary enquiry into the allegations, following a directive from the Bombay High Court. The statement of Mr. Deshmukh was earlier recorded by the probe team.

On March 25, Param Bir Singh filed criminal public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe against Deshmukh who, he claimed, had asked police officers, including suspended cop Sachin Waze, to extort Rs 100 crore from bars and restaurants

Singh had initially approached the Supreme Court alleging that he was transferred from the post of Mumbai Police Commissioner after complaining to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders about the corrupt practices of Deshmukh.

While calling the matter ‘quite serious’ the apex court asked Singh to approach the high court. Following this, Singh filed a PIL in the high court reiterating his allegations and seeking an ‘immediate, unbiased, impartial’ probe by CBI against the NCP leader. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress share power in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra: Supreme Court rejects petition filed by the Ex-HM Anil Deshmukh against CBI probe

Meemansa Shekhawat — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:17:52 +0000

Former Home Minister of Maharashtra, Anil Deshmukh had filed a petition against the preliminary CBI inquiry but the same has been dismissed by the Supreme Court on Thursday, April 8. A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hemant Gupta dismissed the petition by issuing the following statement,

“Given the serious nature of allegations and the personas involved, the matter does require an independent agency to investigate the matter. It is a matter of public confidence. We may also note that what has been ordered is only a preliminary inquiry. Therefore, we are no inclined to interfere with the impugned order,” said Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.

Justice Kaul further added, “The nature of personas involved in the case, and the seriousness of the allegations, warrant a CBI investigation.”

Supreme Court dismisses the pleas filed by Maharashtra govt and its former home minister Anil Deshmukh challenging Bombay High Court order directing a CBI probe into allegations of corruption levelled against him by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh. pic.twitter.com/m0mliAHnFA

— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2021

On Monday, Deshmukh had submitted his resignation to the Maharashtra government after the state High Court, on Monday, asked the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter. He mentioned in his resignation letter, “I don’t have the moral right to continue in the office after the court order. I’ve decided to quit. Kindly relieve me from my post.”

Well, Deshmukh had filed a petition against the preliminary inquiry delivering the statement that the state high court had not taken into account well-settled procedure but it just handed over the matter to an agency controlled by the central government.

He further added in his petition, “Param Bir Singh allegations are not substantiated and are motivated.” Deshmukh also raised an objection that the order of conducting a preliminary inquiry was passed without hearing his side.