Money Laundering Probe: ED Raids Former DPIIT Secretary Ramesh Abhishek's Premises

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids on the premises of Ramesh Abhishek, a retired IAS officer and former Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This action is part of a larger probe into allegations of money laundering and disproportionate assets against Abhishek.

ED raid premises of former DPIIT Secretary Ramesh Abhishek 

The ED's investigation is based on a recent FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Abhishek, who belongs to the 1982 IAS batch. The CBI had previously raided Abhishek's premises in February.

Ramesh Abhishek retired from his position at DPIIT, formerly known as the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, in 2019. Sources indicate that the current ED searches are a continuation of efforts to uncover financial irregularities linked to his tenure in public service.

The CBI FIR alleges that Abhishek illicitly enriched himself post-retirement by receiving substantial consultation fees from private companies. These companies reportedly had dealings with Abhishek during his time in office. The FIR also implicates his daughter, Vanessa, suggesting that both received significant payments from various entities.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Abhishek also served as the chairman of the Forward Markets Commission. The case against him was initiated following a reference from the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal. The Lokpal's investigation claims that the father-daughter duo received considerable sums as professional fees from organizations with which Abhishek had professional interactions during his service.

As the ED intensifies its probe, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the financial transactions and the legitimacy of the funds received by Ramesh Abhishek and his daughter. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of Indian authorities to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.