New Delhi/Patna: The Enforcement Directorate’s Patna zonal unit has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth around Rs 2.85 crore belonging to Prabhanshu Shekhar, the former deputy general manager of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in a widening corruption and money-laundering investigation.
The action has been taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and covers flats and parcels of land in Bihar and Delhi, along with bank deposits, gold and silver jewellery, and investments in insurance policies, officials said.
According to the agency, the assets were acquired in Shekhar’s name as well as in the names of his wife and other family members, allegedly using proceeds generated through corrupt practices during his posting in Bihar.
The Enforcement Directorate launched its probe after the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR and filed charge sheets through its anti-corruption bureau in Patna. The CBI has alleged that between January 1, 2016, and September 23, 2022, Shekhar amassed disproportionate assets worth about Rs 4.07 crore.
Investigators claim that while serving as DGM, NHAI, he cleared fraudulent bills, manipulated measurement books and overlooked the use of substandard construction materials to extend undue benefits to Ashoka Buildcon Limited. In return, he allegedly received illegal gratification, part of which was routed directly into the bank accounts of family members.
The ED said the suspected proceeds were subsequently used to purchase immovable property in his wife’s name and to invest in movable assets, including insurance products and precious metals.
Officials added that the investigation remains ongoing and further action could follow as financial trails are examined.
