The Special Court (PMLA/FEOA) at Rouse Avenue District Court has declared Karan A. Chanana, Chairman and Managing Director of Amira Pure Foods Private Limited, and Anita Daing, Whole-Time Director of the company, as Fugitive Economic Offenders under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA).
The order, dated February 6, 2026, also directs confiscation of assets worth ₹123.85 crore belonging to the accused individuals and associated entities. The declaration was made on an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Gurugram Zonal Office, seeking their designation as fugitive economic offenders under the Act.
The court’s decision comes amid ongoing proceedings in a large-scale bank fraud and money laundering case linked to Amira Pure Foods Private Limited, a company engaged in manufacturing and selling branded packaged food products, particularly Indian basmati rice.
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The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (BS&FB), New Delhi, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The FIR alleged that the company, through its directors, promoters, employees and others, committed fraud, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of funds, causing wrongful loss of approximately ₹1,201.85 crore to a consortium of banks led by Canara Bank.
According to the ED, the Amira Foods Group had availed substantial bank loans and cash credit facilities amounting to around ₹1,201.85 crore from the consortium. The accounts subsequently turned non-performing assets (NPAs) in 2017.
During the course of investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED identified several accused persons and companies allegedly involved in laundering the proceeds of crime. A Prosecution Complaint has been filed against 21 individuals, companies and entities in connection with the case.
The agency stated that properties identified as proceeds of crime have been attached under PMLA provisions. The total attachment in the case so far stands at ₹131.51 crore, which has been confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority.
Under proceedings initiated pursuant to the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, the ED informed the court that Karan A. Chanana and Anita Daing had left India and were believed to be residing in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, respectively. The agency asserted that both were evading the process of law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts to avoid facing criminal prosecution.
Non-bailable warrants of arrest and Look-Out Circulars have been issued against the accused. In addition, the ED recently secured publication of an Interpol Silver Notice against Karan A. Chanana to trace and freeze his assets worldwide.
The declaration under FEOA enables confiscation of properties of fugitive economic offenders without waiting for conviction, subject to judicial determination. Officials indicated that further investigation is ongoing to trace additional domestic and overseas assets linked to the accused and their family members.
The ED reiterated its commitment to pursuing economic offenders who evade Indian law by staying abroad and to ensuring confiscation of assets derived from alleged financial crimes.
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.
