ED attaches properties worth Rs 2.85cr linked to senior NHAI official

Patna: The Patna zonal office of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) provisionally attached immovable and movable properties worth about Rs 2.85 crore belonging to Prabhanshu Shekhar, the then deputy general manager (DGM) of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Bihar, and his family members in a disproportionate assets case, the central investigating agency said here on Monday.Immovable properties, including flats and lands in Bihar and Delhi, and movable properties, including bank balances, gold and silver jewellery, and investments in insurance policies, were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.“These assets were acquired by Shekhar in his own name as well as his family members’ through indulgence in corrupt practices,” the ED said in a statement.The ED initiated an investigation on the basis of FIRs registered by Anti-corruption Bureau of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Patna, alleging offences under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Indian Penal Code, 1860.“Perusal of the CBI charge sheet dated Dec 22, 2023, revealed that during the check period from Jan 1, 2016, to Sept 23, 2022, Shekhar acquired disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 4.07 crore in his name as well as his family members’,” said the central agency.

The ED investigation under PMLA revealed that the senior NHAI official, during his posting as DGM in Bihar from Jan 1, 2016, to Sept 23, 2022, “indulged in corrupt practices by clearing inflated bills, manipulating measurement books and overlooking the use of substandard construction materials by Ashoka Buildcon Limited.”“This resulted in the generation of substantial Proceeds of Crime. Part of these were directly deposited into the bank accounts of his family members and also utilised for daily expenses,” the ED said.“Additionally, the cash proceeds were invested in immovable properties in the name of his wife and movable assets in his name as well as his other family members,” said the ED, adding further investigation into the case is on.