The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday took possession of 64 properties belonging to former minister Enosh Ekka’s wife and other relatives in Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The action was taken in connection with a case (ECIR-01/PAT/2009) of money laundering which was lodged by ED against Ekka.
Sources informed that ED has taken possession of a large number of land plots apart from tourist resorts and a tea garden. Enosh Ekka’s wife Monon Ekka was owner of the properties. In many cases the assets were owned by a company Motorists Inn, in which Menon is director. According to information, the chargesheet filed against Ekka in connection with money laundering case has mentioned that book value of Ekka’s assets was Rs 18 crores. However officials said that market value of the properties is much higher.
It may be stated the ED had also seized properties of the former minister in Jharkhand in September.
The ED has initiated action against the former Minister after an appellate tribunal (PMLA) based in New Delhi vacated an order of a tribunal that prevented the enforcement agency from taking possession of his properties.
Notably ED had issued two orders in 2010 and 2014 to take of possession of 119 properties of Ekka and his relatives. Ekka, however, had got a stay from a tribunal against the order.
After the vacation of the order ED issued notices to Ekka in September and started the operation after expiry of the stipulated time.