Manipur Money Laundering Scandal: ED Raids Uncover Sedition Plot

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in Manipur as part of a money laundering probe against individuals accused of collecting over Rs 50 crore via a phony investment scheme to wage war against India. The scheme also involved promoting disharmony and fraudulently collecting public funds.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched raids in Manipur on Wednesday, targeting individuals accused of a large-scale money laundering scheme. The operation was conducted as part of an investigation into allegations that over Rs 50 crore was amassed from the public under the guise of an investment scheme and used for activities aimed at waging war against the government of India.

Five locations in Imphal were searched, including premises linked to Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit, who posed as self-styled ministers of the so-called Manipur state council. The accused were named as key figures in the Salai Group of Companies by ED officials.

The case dates back to a controversial 2019 press conference in London, where the duo declared Manipur's independence from India. Their actions have been deemed seditious, promoting discord and hatred among different groups. The duo, originally booked by the NIA and CBI, allegedly collected public funds through various entities, including a non-banking financial company operating illegally, and subsequently misused these funds, the ED revealed.

(With inputs from agencies.)