The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has tightened the noose around Dacha Janardhan Mahesh, a former Town Planning Section Officer with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), by provisionally attaching 19 immovable properties valued at ₹5.15 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The action has been taken by the Hyderabad Zonal Office of the ED in connection with an investigation into alleged possession of disproportionate assets. According to the agency, the attached properties include plots, shops, flats and residential buildings, registered in the name of Mahesh and his family members.
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Money laundering probe triggered by ACB FIR
The ED’s probe stems from a case registered earlier by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Hyderabad. The ACB had filed an FIR on April 4, 2016, bearing RC No. 03/RCA-HR/2016, under Sections 13(1)(e) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The FIR was lodged against Dacha Janardhan Mahesh, who was then serving as Town Planning Section Officer, Circle-18, GHMC, Secunderabad, on allegations of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Following a detailed investigation, the ACB filed a charge sheet on June 22, 2022, before the court of the First Additional Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases, Hyderabad.
Assets worth ₹5.27 crore found disproportionate
As per the ACB charge sheet, Mahesh and his family members were found to be in possession of assets worth approximately ₹5.27 crore, which were allegedly far in excess of his known lawful income during the check period. Investigators noted that the scale of asset accumulation could not be explained through declared sources of earnings.
Based on these findings, the ED registered a case to examine the matter from a money laundering perspective, treating the alleged disproportionate assets as proceeds of crime.
Properties acquired through cash transactions
During its investigation, the ED found that Mahesh had allegedly used proceeds of crime to acquire multiple immovable properties, largely through cash payments, in his own name as well as in the names of his relatives.
The agency further stated that in an attempt to project the tainted assets as legitimate, large amounts of cash were deposited into the bank accounts of Mahesh and his family members. These funds were subsequently used not only for purchasing properties but also for meeting personal and household expenses.
According to the ED, the pattern of transactions indicates a deliberate attempt to launder illicit funds and integrate them into the formal financial system.
Illicit funds invested in real estate project
The probe also revealed the alleged involvement of Mahesh’s cousin, K. B. Lakshminarayana, who is a partner in M/s Maheshwari Constructions. The ED stated that Mahesh, with the assistance of Lakshminarayana, invested proceeds of crime in the development and construction of a real estate project named “Sri Indira Sadan.”
Investigators believe the project was used as a channel to park and legitimise illegal earnings, disguising them as lawful investment in real estate.
Provisional attachment under PMLA
Based on the evidence gathered so far, the ED has provisionally attached 19 immovable properties worth ₹5.15 crore under the provisions of the PMLA. The agency clarified that the attachment is interim in nature and subject to confirmation by the adjudicating authority under the Act.
Officials indicated that the attachment aims to prevent the accused from alienating or disposing of the properties during the pendency of the investigation.
Further probe underway
The ED has stated that investigations into the money trail, cash deposits and property transactions are ongoing. Officials added that if further assets or involvement of additional persons come to light, more attachments and legal action under the PMLA could follow.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
