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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on November 4 conducted search and seizure operations at 13 premises across Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra in connection with an alleged fake government tender racket involving fraudulent collection of ₹14.55 crore. The investigation centres on a fictitious entity named ‘Directorate of Higher Education’, which was allegedly used to deceive a Nagpur-based firm through forged government tender notices and work orders.
The searches were carried out by the ED’s Agartala Sub-Zonal Office under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case stems from an FIR registered at Capital Complex Police Station in West Tripura following a complaint by M/s SK Sales Corporation, Nagpur.
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₹14.55 Crore Collected Through Fake Government Tenders
According to the FIR, the complainant was allegedly induced to pay Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs) totalling approximately ₹14.55 crore between September 2024 and February 2025 against purported government tenders in Tripura’s mid-day meal and power sectors. The tenders, however, had never been issued.
The complaint names Abhishek Chandra, an IAS officer of the Tripura cadre who is currently under suspension, along with other alleged conspirators. The ED’s investigation found that Chandra allegedly presented himself as an officer controlling government tender processes and introduced the complainant to Utpal Kumar Chowdhury, who was represented as the official responsible for processing payments.
The EMDs were deposited through demand drafts in favour of ‘Directorate of Higher Education’. However, the entity was allegedly a proprietary concern owned by Chowdhury, whose name was deceptively similar to that of the genuine government department. Forged tender notices and work orders were reportedly used to make the transactions appear legitimate.
Investigators also found that a joint venture involving Smt. Krishna Chakraborty, represented by her husband Sudip Paul, was allegedly used to structure the collection of funds. Partial refunds were made at crucial stages to maintain the victim’s confidence and encourage further payments.
Funds Routed Through Shell Companies, Properties and Hawala Network
The ED investigation revealed that funds deposited into the fictitious entity’s accounts were allegedly transferred through a network of shell entities within days, and in some instances within 24 hours. Several of these entities were reportedly registered in the names of Chowdhury’s domestic staff and associates.
The suspected proceeds of crime were allegedly used to acquire immovable properties, including flats in a housing project and a residential property in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park area. These properties were reportedly held in the names of family members of Abhishek Chandra. Investigators also found indications that the funds were spent on foreign travel and luxury goods.
The agency further suspects that some of the money was routed through an alleged hawala operator based in Kolkata.
The ED also highlighted that it is investigating Chowdhury and others in a separate case registered under ECIR/AGSZO/03/2025. That investigation arose from five FIRs registered in West Bengal and Tripura, involving the same fictitious entity and a similar modus operandi. The alleged fraud in those cases involves multiple victims and an aggregate amount exceeding ₹44 crore.
In connection with that investigation, the agency has already issued two Provisional Attachment Orders, numbered 01/2026 dated January 22, 2026, and 05/2026 dated July 31, 2026.
Documents, Property Records and Digital Devices Seized
During the latest searches, ED officials covered the residential premises of Abhishek Chandra, alleged hawala operators and office premises of several companies and entities suspected of being connected to the money trail.
The agency said it recovered and seized a large volume of documentary evidence relating to hawala transactions, details of several high-value properties and records indicating suspicious control over corporate entities. Digital devices and records belonging to various accused persons, considered important to the ongoing investigation, were also seized.
The ED has registered the case under the PMLA following the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, cheating by personation and forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Further investigation into the alleged tender fraud and movement of proceeds of crime is underway.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
