The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized immovable assets worth approximately Rs 96 lakh from two PWD contractors in Nagaland, Avituo Sekhose and Mhalelie Rio, as part of a money laundering probe. This investigation focuses on alleged financial irregularities during the construction of the new High Court complex in Kohima.
The properties were provisionally attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as confirmed by the central agency. This action stems from a case initiated by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR, which looked into the alleged misappropriation of public funds totaling Rs 3.61 crore for the High Court project.
The CBI’s investigations had led to charge sheets against several individuals. Initially, contractors Avituo Sekhose and Nagaland PWD engineers Yapang Jamir, M I Tongjok Ao, and K Nikato Assumi were named in the first complaint. In a subsequent complaint, the CBI charge-sheeted Thepfusatuo Rio, Mhalelie Rio, and Vibeilietuo Kets.
The ED has asserted that Sekhose and Mhalelie Rio engaged in criminal activities, resulting in significant financial loss to the government and illicit gains for themselves.
This development underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption and financial irregularities in public projects within Nagaland. The investigations and asset seizures aim to curb fraudulent activities that drain public resources and erode trust in governmental processes.
