The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced that it has filed a charge sheet against Santosh Kumar Sharma, a former Madhya Pradesh government employee, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sharma, who previously worked as in-charge principal at a government-run B.Ed College in Chhatarpur district, faces charges of corruption and possessing assets exceeding Rs 1.23 crore. The ED’s action follows an FIR by the Lokayukta police of Madhya Pradesh against Sharma and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The ED’s investigation revealed that Sharma, while in a public servant role, acquired assets significantly disproportionate to his known income, totaling Rs 1.23 crore. It was found that Sharma and his family benefited from the proceeds of crime, engaging in money laundering related to these illicit funds. The ED had previously seized movable and immovable properties valued at over Rs 1.22 crore.
During the probe, it was uncovered that Sharma’s legitimate earnings were Rs 1.3 crore, yet his total expenses and investments amounted to more than Rs 2.35 crore. The investigation further exposed Sharma’s acquisition of substantial assets in his and his family members’ names, suggesting attempts to conceal ownership and mask the illegal source of funds. The ED also identified the use of unaccounted cash, unexplained deposits, and complex financial transactions in property and asset procurement.
The ED’s findings indicate a misuse of public office, possession of disproportionate assets, and efforts to legitimize illicit wealth as clean property, constituting offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and falling under the PMLA, 2002.
