NEW DELHI: In its ongoing investigation into the Saradha Group of Companies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Tuesday that it had attached new mobile and immovable properties worth Rs 35 crore. 

Vehicles, structures, flats, and bungalows in Bishnupur, as well as plots of land in South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri, according to a top ED official.

"These properties were either owned by Saradha Group or proceeds of crime were invested in them (with Saradha Group paying full advance to vendors)," the officer explained.

Saradha Group was involved in a chit fund scandal that spanned West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha till 2013. "The entire amount of money mobilised by the company is approximately Rs 2,459 crore, of which nearly Rs 1,983 crore (minus the interest amount) remains payable to the depositors to date," stated the ED official.

In 2013, the ED filed a case against the Saradha Group of Companies based on FIRs filed by the Kolkata Police. The ED had previously issued seven Provisional Attachment Orders, all of which were confirmed by the adjudicating body under the PMLA. "The aforementioned Proceeds of Crime have been prayed for confiscation, as well as prayer for the punishment of those implicated in money laundering offences," the ED official said.

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