ED Attaches ₹71 Lakh Properties Linked to Manipur University Corruption Case under PMLA

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Imphal Sub-Zonal Office, has provisionally attached three immovable properties worth ₹71 lakh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attachment is linked to a corruption case involving Manipur University officials and a contractor accused of embezzling funds meant for furniture procurement for the University’s International Guest House.

Background:

The ED action stems from an FIR filed by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, Imphal, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The FIR alleged that senior Manipur University officials — K. Basanta Singh, K. Jiban Kumar Singh, N. Tejendro Singh, and H.N.K. Sarma (Vice-Chancellor) — conspired with contractor Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei, Proprietor of M/s Lourembam Enterprises, to defraud the University in a furniture supply tender.

Findings:

The investigation revealed that tenders for supplying furniture to the International Guest House (IGH) were awarded without following due procedures, violating Rule 148 of the General Financial Rules (GFR). Despite non-supply of items worth ₹64.36 lakh, M/s Lourembam Enterprises falsely claimed installation charges of ₹9.65 lakh, leading to total illegal payments of ₹74.01 lakh. To cover up the fraud, officials allegedly fabricated records, showing the furniture as destroyed in a fire at the Recreation Hall of Manipur University.

Properties Attached:

The ED provisionally attached assets worth ₹71 lakh on 30.09.2025, including:

1. One residential property worth ₹23.95 lakh held by Smt. Konsam (O) Sheityabati Devi, wife of K. Jiban Kumar Singh, then Finance Officer, Manipur University.
2. Two pieces of agricultural land worth ₹48 lakh held by Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei, Proprietor of M/s Lourembam Enterprises.

Legal Provisions Involved:

1. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
2. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
3. Indian Penal Code, 1860
4. Rule 148 of General Financial Rules (GFR)

Court / Agency Action:

The ED concluded that the misappropriated sum of ₹74.01 lakh constituted Proceeds of Crime derived from criminal conspiracy and corruption. The attached properties represent equivalent value.

Court Opinion / Enforcement Stand:

The ED observed that public officials, in collusion with the contractor, abused their positions to award contracts illegally and siphoned University funds under the guise of procurement. The attachment ensures recovery and accountability under PMLA provisions.

Legal Provision Concerned:

Sections 5 and 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (Provisional Attachment and Adjudication).

Case Details:

Agency: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Imphal Sub-Zonal Office

Date of Attachment: 30 September 2025

Value of Properties: ₹71 lakh (approx.)

Linked FIR: CBI ACB, Imphal

Entities Involved: Officials of Manipur University & M/s Lourembam Enterprises

Key Persons: K. Jiban Kumar Singh, H.N.K. Sarma, Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei

Status: Further investigation in progress