ED attaches Rs 2.85 crore assets of National Highways Authority of India's then Bihar DGM in disproportionate case

ED's Patna zonal office attached the immovable properties (including flats and land in Bihar and Delhi) and movable properties (including bank balances, gold and silver jewellery, and investments in insurance policies) totalling Rs 2.85 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

In a statement, ED said, "These assets were acquired by Prabhanshu Shekhar in his own name and in the names of his family members through indulgence in corrupt practices."

ED initiated an investigation on the basis of FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) along with the chargesheets filed therein, alleging offences under Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

"Perusal of CBI chargesheet dated December 22, 2023, revealed that during the check period from January 1, 2016, to September 23, 2022, Prabhanshu Shekhar had acquired disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 4.07 crore in his name and in the name of his family members," said the federal agency.

The ED investigation under PMLA revealed that "Prabhanshu Shekhar, during his posting as DGM, NHAI, in Bihar from January 1, 2016, to September 23, 2022, indulged in corrupt practices by clearing inflated bills, manipulating measurement books, and overlooking the use of sub-standard construction materials by Ashoka Buildcon Limited." "This resulted in the generation of substantial Proceeds of Crime (POC). Part of these POC were directly deposited into the bank accounts of his family members and also utilised for daily expenses," said the ED.

Additionally, the agency further said cash proceeds were invested in immovable properties in the name of his wife and movable assets such as insurance policies and gold and silver Jewellery in the names of himself and his family members. (ANI)