New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate’s Imphal Sub Zone conducted search operations recently at five residential locations in Imphal belonging to directors of the Salai Group, leading to the seizure of three cars and property documents worth Rs 10 crore.
The searches, assisted by 30 CRPF personnel, targeted premises linked to N. Samarjit Singh, N. Biswajit Singh, A. Deepanand, E Brojendro Singh, and T. Tikendra Singh. Authorities also seized five mobile phones containing incriminating data related to the group’s companies.
The ED’s investigation originates from a Manipur Police FIR against individuals, including Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit, who allegedly declared independence from India as part of a “Manipur State Council.” The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later charge-sheeted them under IPC and UAPA sections, revealing that funds were fraudulently collected from the public through the Salai Group and its affiliate, SMART Society, by promising 36 percent annual returns without legal authority.
According to the ED, its probe found that the accused collected approximately Rs. 57.36 crore in cash from the public without any license, promising a 3 percent monthly interest. The agency stated these “Proceeds of Crime” were deposited into personal and company bank accounts and were used to acquire properties, repay loans, and fund activities including “waging war against the Government of India,” sedition, and promoting communal disharmony.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also registered a separate case, alleging the group operated an illegal Ponzi scheme and fraudulently collected over Rs. 46 crore.
The ED has already attached and confirmed proceeds of crime worth Rs. 2.42 crore and filed a prosecution complaint in the Special PMLA Court. Further investigation is ongoing into the utilization of funds, including foreign remittances of approximately Rs. 17.5 crore and significant credit card payments.
