ED Files Second Supplementary Chargesheet Against Former Odisha MLA Pravat Biswal

Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 26, 2023, filed a second supplementary prosecution complaint against former Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal, his wife Laxmi Bilasani Biswal, and others in connection with a money laundering case.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch of Odisha Police. Subsequently, a chargesheet was filed under various sections of the IPC, Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978, and Odisha Protection of Interest of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2011.

During the ED’s investigation, it was revealed that the Seashore Group of companies had collected significant funds from the public through their registered cooperatives. These funds were then diverted to other shell companies and various related individuals to conceal their source, a process known as layering. The proceeds of this activity were channelled through the accused individuals mentioned in the supplementary complaint filed by the Central Government agency.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.