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Informative

ED attaches Rs. 6.40 Cr assets in Assam ODL Cell PMLA case.

Update / Judgement Date

07 Nov 2025

Source

WCP News Bulletin

Author

Sakshi Bhardwaj — WCP Legal Desk

Reading Time

2 min read

Financial ManagementOther Legal Matters
ED attaches Rs. 6.40 Cr assets in Assam ODL Cell PMLA case.
WCP News Bulletin

Headnote:

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs. 6.40 Crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in connection with an investigation into alleged misappropriation of government funds by Sewali Devi Sharma, ACS, former Executive Chairman cum Director of the ODL Cell, SCERT, Assam. The investigation revealed unauthorized approvals of 347 study centres and enrollment of 1,06,828 trainees in the D.El.Ed. programme, far exceeding government-sanctioned limits, leading to the collection of Rs. 115.12 Crore in fees. Funds were diverted to personal and associates’ accounts, and used to acquire movable and immovable properties. Investigation is ongoing.


Background:

  1. The ED investigation was triggered based on an FIR registered by the Vigilance Police Station, CM’s Special Cell, Assam, under IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  2. During 2017–2021, Smt. Sewali Devi Sharma granted approvals beyond sanctioned limits (59 centres and 27,897 trainees), enrolling 1,06,828 trainees instead.
  3. She collected Rs. 115.12 Crore in fees but failed to deposit the amounts in the Government Treasury.
  4. Five bank accounts in the name of the ODL Cell were opened under her sole authorization, without legal financial powers.
  5. The misappropriated funds were diverted to her personal accounts and those of family members/associates and used for property acquisitions.


Court / Authority’s Observations:

  1. ED’s attachment is provisional under Section 5 of PMLA, aimed at preventing further dissipation of assets linked to money laundering.
  2. The action highlights misuse of public office and government delegation of powers, with serious financial irregularities.
  3. Investigation continues to track the flow of diverted funds and recover assets.


Legal Provisions Discussed:

  1. Section 5, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Power to provisionally attach property.
  2. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 – Misappropriation and criminal misconduct by public servants.
  3. Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Sections relevant to criminal breach of trust, fraud, and misappropriation.


Citation: 2025:ASSAM:ED:71125

Case: Directorate of Enforcement v. Sewali Devi Sharma & Ors.

Court: Enforcement Directorate, Guwahati Zonal Office

Coram: N/A (Administrative Action)

Date of Decision / Action: 07 November 2025

Reference: PMLA Case No.: 2025/ED/GHY/ODL-01