The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is preparing to launch an investigation into the money laundering aspect of a corruption case involving former CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, his nephew Ajay Parmar, and Roop Bansal, the director of real estate company M3M India Pvt Ltd. The case was registered by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Panchkula and has now caught the attention of the central agency.
Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED will conduct a thorough probe after filing an enforcement case information report (ECIR) based on the initial FIR filed by the ACB on April 17. The charges against the accused individuals include bribing a public servant, taking undue advantage, criminal misconduct, and criminal conspiracy, as stipulated under Sections 7, 8, 11, 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.
Unveiling Corruption: ED’s Investigation into Money Laundering Charges
Sudhir Parmar, who was suspended on April 27 following his booking on April 17, stands accused of showing favoritism towards real estate developers Roop Bansal, Basant Bansal (brothers from M3M), and Lalit Goyal (IREO Group). The ACB’s FIR alleges that Parmar engaged in misconduct while presiding over his role as a judge. These serious allegations prompted the ED to initiate a money laundering investigation, aiming to shed light on any illicit financial activities that may have taken place.
The Bansals and Goyal have also been implicated as accused parties in ongoing cases before the special CBI court, which Parmar previously presided over. As an additional district and sessions rank judge, Parmar handled various high-profile trials involving real estate developers, retired bureaucrats, and politicians. His suspension by the high court followed an ACB team’s questioning on April 18, signaling the gravity of the allegations against him.
Efforts to obtain comments from Parmar and Roop Bansal regarding the accusations were unsuccessful. Sameer Chaudhary, the lawyer representing IREO, denied any wrongdoing or participation in any offense on behalf of the real estate development company. The ED’s involvement in the investigation adds a new dimension, as it will focus specifically on the potential money laundering aspect of the corruption case.
The ED’s previous actions in November 2021 demonstrate its commitment to combating financial crimes. At that time, Lalit Goyal, the vice-chairman and managing director of IREO Group, was arrested by the ED for allegedly defrauding homebuyers and others. Subsequently, in February 2022, the ED filed a prosecution complaint against Goyal in the special PMLA court in Panchkula.
The allegations against Sudhir Parmar stem from “reliable source information,” including WhatsApp chats and audio recordings provided to the investigating authorities. The source alleges that Parmar demanded substantial sums of money, ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore, in exchange for favoring M3M’s owners in ED cases. The allegations further claim that Parmar requested the person he was communicating with to receive the bribe on his behalf. Additional audio recordings reveal Parmar’s conversations with Roop Bansal, where he promises to protect Bansal from becoming an accused in the ED case if he is exonerated in the CBI case.
ED Takes Action: Probing Financial Irregularities in High-Profile Corruption Case
The upcoming investigation by the ED will delve into the financial transactions and potential money laundering schemes associated with the corruption case involving Parmar, Ajay Parmar, and Roop Bansal. By examining the trail of funds and scrutinizing the financial activities of the accused individuals, the ED aims to expose any illicit activities and hold those responsible accountable.
As the ED’s investigation unfolds, it is expected that more details will emerge regarding the alleged corruption and potential money laundering operations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that public servants carry out their duties without bias or compromise.The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will investigate the money laundering aspect of the corruption case against former CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, his nephew Ajay Parmar, and Roop Bansal, director of real estate company M3M India Pvt Ltd, as named in an FIR by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) at Panchkula. The ED will register an enforcement case information report (ECIR) based on the FIR, which accused Parmar of favoritism towards Bansal and his brother Basant Bansal of M3M, as well as Lalit Goyal of IREO Group, with regards to bribery, criminal misconduct, and criminal conspiracy. Parmar was suspended after the allegations surfaced.
Following the registration of an FIR by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step by initiating an investigation into the money laundering aspect of the corruption case involving former CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, his nephew Ajay Parmar, and Roop Bansal, the director of M3M India Pvt Ltd. The ED will carry out this investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ACB’s FIR, filed on April 17, outlined various charges against Parmar, including favoritism towards real estate developers Roop Bansal, Basant Bansal of M3M, and Lalit Goyal of IREO Group. These charges encompass offenses related to bribery, criminal misconduct, criminal conspiracy, and the abuse of public office. In light of these serious allegations, Parmar was suspended from his position on April 27.
The ED’s involvement in this case is significant as it signals a heightened focus on investigating financial irregularities and potential money laundering activities associated with the alleged corruption. By registering an enforcement case information report (ECIR) based on the ACB’s FIR, the ED will delve into the financial transactions, assets, and related activities of the accused individuals to ascertain any possible money laundering offenses.
Sudhir Parmar, who served as a judge at the CBI court in Panchkula, held a position of authority and responsibility within the judicial system. As such, the allegations of favoritism and impropriety in his dealings with real estate developers have raised concerns about the integrity of the judicial process and the potential impact on fair and transparent decision-making.
Guarding Justice: ED’s Battle Against Corruption and Illicit Financial Activities
The involvement of Roop Bansal, Basant Bansal, and Lalit Goyal as accused individuals in this case has further heightened the significance of the investigation. These prominent figures in the real estate sector have come under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in illicit activities and attempts to influence Parmar’s decisions. The ED’s investigation will aim to uncover any illicit financial transactions, assets, or connections that may have facilitated corrupt practices.
It is worth noting that the ED’s previous actions in similar cases, such as the arrest of Lalit Goyal in November 2021 for cheating home buyers and others, underscore the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The ED’s efforts to present a prosecution complaint against Goyal in the special PMLA court in Panchkula further demonstrate their determination to pursue justice in matters related to money laundering.
The allegations against Sudhir Parmar, coupled with the recorded conversations and WhatsApp chats provided as evidence in the FIR, paint a troubling picture of potential misconduct and abuse of power. These conversations reportedly reveal demands for substantial sums of money and discussions about shielding certain individuals from legal consequences. Such revelations have raised serious questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.