The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 13 locations across three states, including Tripura, to investigate an alleged government tender fraud involving Rs 14.55 crore, forged documents and suspected hawala transactions.
At A Glance
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The ED searched 13 premises across Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra in an alleged Rs 14.55-crore fake government tender scam.
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Investigators suspect that suspended IAS officer Abhishek Chandra and his alleged associates used a fictitious Directorate of Higher Education to collect money.
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The agency seized documents, digital devices and property-related records while investigating suspected hawala transactions and money laundering.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into an alleged fake government tender racket in Tripura, conducting search and seizure operations at 13 premises across Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra. The case involves a fictitious entity named ‘Directorate of Higher Education’, which allegedly collected nearly Rs 14.55 crore from a Nagpur-based company through fraudulent claims of government tenders.
The ED’s Agartala Sub-Zonal Office carried out the searches on November 4 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operation targeted individuals and entities allegedly connected to the racket. The agency disclosed the details in a statement on Thursday.
Rs 14.55 Crore Collected Through Fake Government Tenders
The money-laundering investigation originated from an FIR registered at the Capital Complex Police Station in Agartala. Nagpur-based M/s S.K. Sales Corporation lodged the complaint against Tripura cadre IAS officer Abhishek Chandra and his alleged associates.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly induced the company to deposit Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs) amounting to approximately Rs 14.55 crore between September 2024 and February 2025.
The payments related to purported Tripura government tenders in the mid-day meal and power sectors. However, the complainant alleged that the government had never floated those tenders.
The FIR invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, covering criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, cheating by personation and forgery. These offences qualify as scheduled offences under the PMLA.
Following the registration of the FIR, the ED recorded an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and launched its investigation under the anti-money laundering law.
Suspended IAS Officer Allegedly Introduced Fake Tender Official
The ED investigation has reportedly revealed that Abhishek Chandra, who is currently under suspension, allegedly presented himself as the official overseeing government tender processes in Tripura.
He reportedly introduced the complainant to Utpal Kumar Chowdhury, describing him as the official responsible for processing payments.
The company allegedly issued demand drafts in favour of the ‘Directorate of Higher Education’ to deposit the EMD amounts.
However, the ED found that the entity was actually a proprietary concern owned by Utpal Kumar Chowdhury. Its name allegedly resembled that of the genuine government department, creating the impression that it was an authorised government establishment.
Forged Documents and Partial Refunds Used to Sustain Fraud
Investigators suspect that the accused used fabricated tender notices and work orders to convince the complainant about the authenticity of the transactions.
The alleged racket also involved a joint venture with Krishna Chakraborty, represented by her husband Sudip Paul. The arrangement reportedly helped organise the collection of funds.
The ED further found that the accused allegedly returned portions of the deposited money at crucial stages. These partial refunds helped maintain the victim’s confidence and encouraged the company to continue making payments.
Funds Routed Through Shell Companies and Hawala Channels
The investigation has also uncovered an alleged network through which the collected money was transferred and concealed.
According to the ED, funds deposited into the fictitious entity’s bank accounts were layered through multiple transactions within a few days. Some transfers reportedly took place within 24 hours.
The money allegedly moved through several shell entities. Investigators found that some of these companies were registered in the names of domestic workers and associates of Utpal Kumar Chowdhury.
The agency suspects that the proceeds of the alleged crime financed the purchase of immovable properties, including flats in a housing project and a residential property in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
These properties were allegedly acquired in the names of family members of Abhishek Chandra. The money was also reportedly spent on foreign travel and luxury goods.
Investigators further suspect that the accused routed some funds through a Kolkata-based hawala conduit.
ED Investigating Similar Fraud Involving Over Rs 44 Crore
The latest searches also connect to a wider investigation involving Utpal Kumar Chowdhury and other alleged associates.
The ED is already probing five FIRs registered in Tripura and West Bengal involving the same fictitious entity and a similar modus operandi.
According to the agency, the alleged racket defrauded multiple victims of more than Rs 44 crore collectively.
In connection with that investigation, the ED had issued provisional attachment orders on January 22, 2026, and July 31, 2026.
Documents, Digital Devices Seized During Searches
The latest search operation covered the residential premises of Abhishek Chandra and alleged hawala operators. ED officials also searched the offices of several companies and entities suspected of having links to the money trail.
During the operation, investigators recovered substantial documentary evidence relating to suspected hawala transactions. They also found details of several high-value properties and materials indicating suspicious control over corporate entities.
The agency seized the documents and other materials for further examination.
Officials also confiscated digital devices and records belonging to various accused persons, which could provide crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The ED said further investigation into the alleged money-laundering racket is underway. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)