The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against a former SBI Branch Manager and his wife in a Special PMLA Court in Ranchi. The charges relate to a Rs 5.40 crore fraud involving the manipulation of 440 customer accounts. The accused, Manoj Kumar, and his wife, Nitu Kumari alias Nitu Devi, are facing trial in the Special Court.
The chargesheet, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), pertains to the commission of money laundering offenses. The ED’s investigation was initiated based on FIRs registered by the CBI and other authorities against Manoj Kumar for various criminal activities. The offenses include criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, and misconduct.
Manoj Kumar, while serving as a Branch Manager at several SBI branches, allegedly committed systematic banking fraud over a period of seven years. The ED stated that he generated illicit funds through unauthorized transactions, causing substantial losses to the bank. The investigation revealed that Manoj Kumar manipulated numerous customer accounts, leading to significant financial losses.
The Proceeds of Crime, amounting to Rs 5.40 crore, were allegedly concealed and integrated into various assets through illicit means. Nitu Kumari, the wife of the main accused, is accused of facilitating the laundering process by allowing her bank account to be used for illegal transactions. The ED also disclosed that properties worth Rs 97.92 lakh were provisionally attached during the investigation.
