The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs.71.99 Lakh belonging to Khageswar Panda, the erstwhile Assistant Civil Supplies Officer in Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This move comes after the ED initiated a probe against the accused in connection with a case of disproportionate assets.
The ED had conducted searches at various locations in Odisha, and during the investigation, it was found that Khageswar Panda had amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The accused had acquired the assets in the names of his family members and associates.
The attached assets include movable assets like bank accounts and immovable properties, including land and buildings in the Khurda and Cuttack districts of Odisha. The total value of the attached assets is approximately Rs. 71.99 lahks.
The ED’s investigation revealed that Khageswar Panda was involved in money laundering activities and had transferred a significant portion of the illegal money through his bank accounts. The agency seized several incriminating documents, including bank statements, property papers, and other related documents, during the search operations.
The ED has taken strict action against such economic offenders to curb corruption and money laundering activities in the country. The ED has urged the public to come forward and report any such illegal activities, which will help in curbing such crimes and maintaining the integrity of the financial system in the country.
The ED’s action against Khageswar Panda and others involved in this case is a warning to others who indulge in such criminal activities. The ED’s investigation and the subsequent attachment of assets demonstrate that the agency is committed to fighting against corruption and economic offences in the country.
