Shimla: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Shimla Zonal Office, has provisionally attached an immovable property owned by Satish Kumar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached property is a 200 sq. yard residential plot with construction located at Sunny Enclave, Kharar, District SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, with a current market valuation of approximately ₹1.84 crore.
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FIR and Conviction: DTO Nahan found guilty of corruption and IPC violations
The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by Nahan Police Station, against Satish Kumar, the then District Treasury Officer (DTO) Nahan. The FIR cited multiple offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC, 1860) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
A charge sheet was filed on 31 May 2023, and Satish Kumar has since been convicted by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Sirmaur at Nahan for offences relating to fraudulent diversion of pension funds.
Manipulation of e-Pension Software: Funds of 95 Pensioners Diverted
ED’s probe revealed that during his tenure as DTO (2012–2018), Satish Kumar fraudulently manipulated the e-pension software to divert funds meant for 95 pensioners.
A total of ₹1,68,66,371 (classified as Proceeds of Crime) was transferred to bank accounts held in the names of Satish Kumar, his wife, and children, instead of the intended pensioners.
This diversion constituted a clear misuse of public funds and represented an illicit financial gain derived from government resources.
Illicit Funds Used to Acquire Mohali Property
The investigation further established that Satish Kumar utilized the proceeds of crime to purchase and construct a residential property at Sunny Enclave, Mohali. The property now carries a market value of ₹1.84 crore, effectively converting illicit funds into tangible assets.
ED’s action ensures that the entire Proceeds of Crime amounting to ₹1.68 crore is provisionally attached under PMLA, preventing the accused from benefiting from illegally acquired wealth.
Significance of the Action
According to ED, the attachment demonstrates the agency’s commitment to preventing the laundering of illicit funds, particularly those diverted from public welfare schemes.
The case highlights the vulnerabilities in government fund management systems and underscores the importance of financial oversight, accountability, and corrective enforcement.
ED officials emphasised that this action is part of broader efforts to recover misappropriated funds, deter public office corruption, and maintain transparency in government disbursements.
Ongoing Investigation and Further Actions
The ED investigation is ongoing, with officials reviewing additional financial transactions and potential assets linked to the fraudulent diversion.
Future steps may include:
- Identification and attachment of further properties
- Tracing additional financial trails
- Potential prosecution of accomplices
- Further enforcement measures under PMLA
The agency reaffirmed that systematic diversion of government pension funds will not be tolerated, and all avenues for restitution and asset recovery will be pursued to their full legal extent.
This case sets a precedent in tracking and confiscating illegally acquired assets by government officials and reinforces ED’s mandate to ensure justice and restitution for misappropriated public funds.
