ED Seizes 53 Crore in Assets from Retired Assam IPS Officer

Guwahati: Federal agents seized 53.28 crore in assets belonging to retired IPS officer Prashanta Kumar Dutta. The Enforcement Directorate targeted the properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The list includes Hotel Bhargav, Hotel Bhargav Inn, Ishan Arcade, and Hotel Bhargav Grand in Guwahati. Officials also grabbed two residential flats, one of which sits in Mumbai.

The investigation kicked off after the Assam Police Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Branch filed an FIR. It claims Dutta built wealth far beyond his salary between 1992 and 2019. Records show he spent 9.04 crore despite earning only 7.23 crore. Agents uncovered 77.21 crore in hidden assets.

Dutta allegedly funneled crime proceeds through three private companies. These firms had fake offices. The agency noted: "The funds were allegedly layered through fictitious shareholders, Kolkata-based shell entities and circular bank transactions before being invested in hotel properties in Guwahati and residential flats in Mumbai."

Investigators tracked 14.75 crore in unexplained cash moving into family accounts. Many listed shareholders lacked income and could not explain the origin of their funds. The probe into the case continues.