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11h ago

PMLA Court Jails Ex-IAS Pradeep Sharma for Five Years, Orders Asset Confiscation in Gujarat Land Case

The judge refused concurrent sentencing, citing distinct offences, with the defence indicating a forthcoming appeal.

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The court held that IAS officer PradeepSharma, as district collector of Bhuj from 2003 to 2006, misused his office by allotting land to Welspun India Ltd. at rates far below the government rate. (Shutterstock)
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Overview

  • Special PMLA Judge K.M. Sojitra convicted Sharma under Sections 3 and 4 of the Act, imposing five years’ rigorous imprisonment and a ₹50,000 fine.
  • The court directed confiscation to the Union government of properties earlier attached by the ED, including a Gandhinagar house and agricultural land in Dehgam.
  • The case stems from 2003–2006 allotments in Varshmedi to Welspun group at ₹15–₹18 per sq m against the State rate of ₹78, with the court noting a ₹1.2 crore loss.
  • The judgment records laundering via Sharma’s wife through a 30% stake in Value Packaging without capital, ₹22 lakh and ₹7.5 lakh routed as benefits, and use of funds to repay a housing loan and buy land.
  • Layering findings include about ₹1 crore sent to the US via hawala and deposits including $35,950 through intermediaries, while the court rejected concurrency given separate corruption and money‑laundering convictions.