Guwahati (Assam). The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office, has attached assets worth Rs. 2.40 crore belonging to Karun Jyoti Baruah, former Superintendent Engineer (Civil), Oil India Ltd., Duliajan, District Dibrugarh, Assam. The attached assets include 67 LIC policies valued at approximately Rs. 1.96 crore and a RCC residential structure with a covered garage valued at roughly Rs. 43.99 lakh. The action has been taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED’s move follows an FIR registered by CBI, ACB, Guwahati, which alleged that Baruah had accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, in violation of various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The FIR forms the basis for ED’s ongoing investigation into potential money laundering through these assets.
CBI Chargesheet Reveals Disproportionate Assets
The CBI chargesheet covering the period from April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2019, states that Baruah acquired assets far exceeding his legitimate income. During this period, he purchased 44 LIC policies in cash, presumably to avoid leaving a financial trail. The policies were either in his name or in the names of family members whose declared incomes were insufficient to justify such purchases.
In addition, Baruah acquired several other LIC policies through banking channels. However, he failed to provide a credible explanation for how such large-scale acquisitions could be made from his known income. ED investigators concluded that these policies were purchased using Proceeds of Crime (POC), thereby constituting a case of money laundering under PMLA.
RCC Residential Structure and Covered Garage
Investigations also revealed that Baruah constructed an RCC residential building with a covered garage during the same period at an approximate cost of Rs. 43.99 lakh, funded through POC. The construction expenses could not be justified against his lawful income sources, further strengthening the case for asset disproportion and money laundering.
Message on Financial Accountability and Legal Oversight
ED officials emphasized that the case highlights the serious threat posed by public servants who accumulate assets disproportionate to their income and attempt to conceal them. Legal and financial experts note that the action sends a clear signal that money laundering and corruption attempts will be investigated and prosecuted rigorously.
Next Steps in Investigation
The ED confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Additional actions, including the attachment of further assets, detailed scrutiny of financial transactions, and potential arrests, are expected in the coming weeks. The agency is working to ensure that all illicit assets are identified and brought under the PMLA framework.
Experts highlight that this case underscores the importance of financial transparency and accountability among public sector officials. The ED is coordinating with relevant financial institutions and government authorities to track illicit asset movements and strengthen oversight.
This case also serves as a reminder that robust monitoring mechanisms and supervisory controls are critical to preventing corruption and money laundering in public offices. ED officials have reiterated that all possible legal measures will be taken to recover assets acquired through illicit means.
