Two officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been booked by the Mumbai Police for allegedly engaging in extortion practices against a businessman. The allegations stem from an incident where the officers supposedly threatened the businessman with a money laundering inquiry while demanding a substantial sum of money.

The enforcement officials have been identified as Assistant Director Mohit Garg, aged 36, and Enforcement Officer Devendra Kumar Gupta, aged 35. Both are stationed at the ED’s office in Jaipur. An FIR was filed against them on August 31 at the Bangar Nagar Police station in Mumbai, based on the businessman’s complaint.

The FIR accuses the two ED officers of extortion, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These serious charges highlight the gravity of the allegations being made against the individuals serving in a federal agency.

Events Leading to the FIR

According to the FIR, the incident commenced on July 20 when the two officials visited the businessman’s office in Malad West, Mumbai, under the guise of conducting a survey. Initially, they did not disclose their true intentions and later implicated him in alleged dealings with “proceeds of crime.” This accusation reportedly escalated quickly.

The complaint claims that the officials threatened to convert the survey into a full-scale raid if the businessman did not comply with their demands. They initially proposed a settlement amount of Rs 5 crore, which was later reduced to Rs 2.25 crore. This drastic reduction in the demanded sum raises questions about the legality of their actions.

The businessman reportedly complied with their demands and paid the amount in two separate transactions. However, upon paying the Rs 2.25 crore, he became aware that he had not been provided with any evidence to substantiate the claims against him, leading him to approach the police.

Subsequent Actions and Response

Following the filing of the FIR, the ED has also initiated its own criminal investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations against its officers. This response highlights the agency’s commitment to handling misconduct within its ranks, ensuring that such events are addressed appropriately.

As part of their investigation, the ED has reportedly conducted searches related to the ongoing case and has begun to scrutinise the details provided by the complainant. This dual course of action by both the Mumbai Police and the ED reflects a coordinated effort to resolve the matter while maintaining the integrity of the respective organisations involved.

The case not only represents a potential breach of trust by the enforcement officials but also sheds light on the broader implications of alleged misconduct within federal agencies tasked with fighting corruption. The situation continues to develop as both the police and the ED pursue further inquiries into the allegations made by the businessman.

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