The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step by filing a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against Jogendra Tiwari and 11 associated entities. These entities, including M/s Saran Alcohol Pvt Limited, M/s Santhal Pargana Pvt Limited, M/s Maihar Hotels and Resorts Pvt Limited, and M/s Rajmahal Traders, face allegations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The complaint was submitted before the Hon’ble Special PMLA Court in Ranchi on 16.12.2023.
The initiation of ED’s investigation stems from 19 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Jharkhand Police. These FIRs, filed against Jogendra Tiwari and others, encompass various criminal activities such as illegal sand sales, illicit liquor trade, unauthorized land transactions, and other related offenses under the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
“ED’s probe revealed that Jogendra Tiwari orchestrated criminal activities in the guise of his associates, controlling entities involved in the trade of sand and liquor. The investigation unveiled that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 14.79 Crore were generated through these activities. A substantial portion of these proceeds was allegedly invested in entities controlled by Jogendra Tiwari, indicating an attempt to monopolize the liquor business across Jharkhand during 2021-22”.
“As part of the investigation, extensive searches were conducted across 32 premises in Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal on 23.08.2023. The searches aimed to gather evidence related to Jogendra Tiwari’s alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Jogendra Tiwari was subsequently arrested by the ED on 19.10.2023 and is presently in judicial custody”.
The ED’s legal action, supported by the Hon’ble Special PMLA Court’s cognizance of the Prosecution Complaint on 23.12.2023, marks a significant development in addressing financial crimes and money laundering activities linked to Jogendra Tiwari and his associated entities. The legal proceedings underscore the commitment to uphold the integrity of financial systems and combat illicit financial practices.
