ED Raids Multiple Locations in Arunachal Highway Scam
The Enforcement Directorate carried out multi-location raids in Arunachal Pradesh in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in Trans-Arunachal Highway land compensation disbursements.
ITANAGAR- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search and seizure operations on Friday at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the Trans‑Arunachal Highway compensation case. Officials said the raids resulted in the recovery of approximately ₹2.2 crore in cash from the premises of a purported fake beneficiary.
The operations were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targeting residential premises belonging to an ex-Deputy Commissioner, land records officials, assessment officers and key private beneficiaries allegedly linked to the scam. The searches spanned six locations in and around Itanagar, one site at Likhabali near Dibrugarh, and one at Aalo close to the Mechuka–China border.
Also Read- Arunachal Records GSDP, Infrastructure Growth: CM
According to ED officials, the case centres on alleged large-scale irregularities in the assessment, certification and disbursement of land-acquisition compensation for the Potin–Bopi stretch of the Trans-Arunachal Highway project, which covers approximately 157.70 km across Yachuli, Ziro and Raga sectors.
Investigators said the then Deputy Commissioner of Ziro initially estimated compensation at ₹289.40 crore. However, a state-level decision later capped the total package at ₹198.56 crore. Despite this, the inquiry suggests that substantial funds were illicitly diverted, including to savings accounts, and that several cheques were issued to fake beneficiaries, leading to an estimated loss of around ₹44 crore to the state exchequer.
Also Read- ITBP Procures Local Produce Under Mission Arun Himveer
ED officials alleged that certain public servants knowingly abused their official positions by preparing and certifying inflated or fictitious assessments of non-existent structures in the Yazali sector of the highway project and including ineligible recipients as beneficiaries, thereby generating proceeds of crime.
Authorities said they expect the ongoing operation to help secure crucial documentary and digital evidence and identify movable and immovable assets acquired from the proceeds of the alleged crime. Further searches and investigative steps are anticipated as the agency continues its probe.
