Special Court in Uttar Pradesh Takes Cognisance of ED Chargesheet Against Ex-Legislator Vijay Mishra

A special court in Uttar Pradesh has acknowledged a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against former legislator Vijay Mishra and others. The chargesheet, filed on July 31 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, includes Vijay Mishra, ex-MLA of Bhadohi Constituency, Ram Lali Mishra, ex-member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Vishnu Kumar Mishra, VSP Starrr Realty company, and Bholanath Rajpati Shukla. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Allahabad Sub-Zonal Office, filed the chargesheet, and the Special Court acknowledged it on December 18. The ED had also filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) on July 31, 2025, attaching movable and immovable properties worth Rs 25.46 crore acquired from the Proceeds of Crime (POC). These assets include properties in Prayagraj, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Rewa. The court’s action is expected to lead to the issuance of a process to the accused, followed by the framing of charges. The ED’s investigation stemmed from an FIR by the Uttar Pradesh Police against Vijay Mishra, Ram Lali Mishra, and others, leading to the filing of charge sheets for accumulating assets worth Rs 36.07 crore. The ED uncovered a history of criminal cases against Vijay Mishra and his family members for various offenses, indicating a long-standing criminal background. The investigation revealed that Vijay Mishra and Ram Lali Mishra misused their positions to amass illegal assets, which were then camouflaged through benami properties and business activities.