ED Files Supplementary PMLA Case Against PLFI Chief, 19 Others in Rs 20-Crore Terror-Funding Probe

Overview

• The Ranchi ED office filed the supplementary prosecution complaint before the Special PMLA Court in Ranchi on October 18, seeking prosecution of the named accused and confiscation of identified assets.
• ED estimates the proceeds of crime from levy and extortion at about Rs 20 crore and says it has traced a laundering trail of roughly Rs 3.36–3.6 crore.
• The agency says funds were funneled into shell entities fronted by Gope’s wives, Shakuntala Kumari and Hira Devi, and layered through banking channels and hawala operations.
• The case draws on multiple FIRs and chargesheets citing predicate offences that include murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terror acts under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• Investigators report earlier seizures and attachments, including Rs 19.93 lakh from bank accounts of Gope’s wives, transactions exceeding Rs 2.5 crore across numerous accounts and properties valued near Rs 1 crore, as the financial probe extends into neighbouring states.