Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: The Enforcement Directorate seized immovable properties worth Rs 53.28 crore linked to retired IPS officer Prasanta Kumar Dutta. The Guwahati Zonal Office acted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. They targeted Dutta, his family, and associated firms.
Dutta faces accusations of holding assets worth Rs 79.01 crore that far exceed his legal income. The probe stems from an FIR filed by the Assam Police Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Branch. Investigators tracked his finances between 1992 and 2019. They found he and his wife earned Rs 7.23 crore but spent Rs 9.04 crore. They allegedly hid millions.
Cash totaling Rs 14.74 crore moved through family accounts and three private companies. The agency claims the registered offices for Mahamaya Estates Pvt Ltd, Ishan Commercial Pvt Ltd, and Murari Commodities Pvt Ltd do not exist. The ED stated, "The investigation further alleged that unexplained cash amounting to Rs 14.74 crore was routed into the accounts of the accused's family members and the three companies."
Money flowed through shell companies based in Kolkata. It ended up in luxury real estate. The agency attached four Guwahati hotels and two Mumbai flats. Many shareholders listed in these firms lacked any actual income. The probe continues.
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