The Imphal sub-zonal team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started raids at the locations of Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjeet. Yambem Biren describes himself as ‘Chief Minister of Manipur State Council’ and Narengbam Samarjit describes himself as ‘Foreign and Defense Minister’. According to ED officials, searches are going on at a total of 5 locations in Imphal. Both the accused are said to be prominent people associated with Salai Group of Companies.
This matter is related to a press conference held in London in 2019. The allegation here is that both of them had publicly announced the independence of Manipur from the Indian Union. Agencies say that these activities come under serious sections like waging war against the state, treason and spreading hatred and enmity between different communities.
On this basis, NIA and CBI have already registered a case against both of them. Investigation has revealed that the accused had formed ‘Kadangband Swajaldhara Implementation Committee’ on 30 May 2003, whose name was later changed to ‘Smart Society’ on 10 August 2008.
collected money from common people
Apart from this, he formed another institution named SALAI FINANCIAL SERVICE (SAFFINS), whose registered office is in Imphal. This institution was licensed under the Bombay Money Lenders Act, 1946 (which is applicable in Manipur). ED alleges that through the companies of Salai Group, the accused collected cash from common people without any legal permission and lured them to pay very high interest. Smart Society acted illegally like an NBFC, in which only cash deposits were taken in the name of ‘membership fees’ and interest was also given in cash only.
According to the investigating agencies, a total of Rs 57.36 crore was recovered from common investors through different schemes. This amount was later transferred to the personal accounts of directors, Salai Group companies and Smart Society accounts.
How much money was transferred?
ED says that this Rs 57.36 crore is the proceeds of crime under PMLA, 2002. This money was used to buy land and house, repay home loan, car loan, term loan and other expenses. The agency alleges that this money was also used in activities against the Government of India, treason and disturbing social harmony. At present the investigation is going on and during the search it has come to light that documents related to investment in immovable properties and other objectionable materials have been found.
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