The Enforcement Directorate’s Shillong Sub-Zonal Office has provisionally attached an immovable property worth Rs 40 lakh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to the alleged misappropriation of development funds of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya. The property belongs to Ismail R. Marak, a former Member of the District Council (MDC) for the Asanang constituency.
The ED’s investigation revealed that out of the funds allocated to the Asanang constituency for development projects, a significant amount was released to contractors against forged work orders, leading to the diversion of funds. Proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 52.60 lakh were traced, with a portion allegedly received in cash by Marak and the rest transferred to his wife through the contractors’ accounts.
The attached property represents the value of the identified proceeds of crime, not exceeding the traced amount. Earlier, bank balances totaling Rs 16.38 lakh were frozen under PMLA provisions, and searches were conducted on December 4, 2025, as part of the investigation. Further inquiries are ongoing.
