ED conducted searches at 13 locations in Tripura, West Bengal and Maharashtra on Nov 4. Nagpur: A complaint by a Nagpur-based business firm alleging Rs 15cr fraud through fake govt tenders in Tripura has triggered an Enforcement Directorate (ED) crackdown across three states.
The investigation began after the Nagpur firm approached Tripura Police, alleging it was cheated of Rs 15cr between September 2024 and February 2025. The money was allegedly collected as Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs) against purported govt tenders for midday meal and power sector projects. However, these tenders were not issued by the Tripura govt. The police complaint named an IAS officer of the Tripura cadre and his alleged aides.
As per the ED investigation, the IAS officer allegedly projected himself as a bureaucrat in charge of the govt tender procedure. A joint venture involving Krishna Chakraborty, represented by her husband Sudip Paul, was also allegedly used to facilitate collection of funds. Investigators found partial refunds were made at crucial stages to maintain the victim’s confidence and encourage further payments. The proceeds were allegedly used to buy properties, including flats and a residential property in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park area, in the names of the IAS officer’s family members. Foreign travel and luxury purchases are also under scrutiny.
The alleged racket reportedly cheated multiple victims of more than Rs 44 crore using a similar modus operandi.
The agency also said Chowdhury and others were already under investigation in a separate case involving five FIRs in West Bengal and Tripura.