ED Attaches Journalist Upendra Rais Properties in Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached flats in Noida and fixed and bank deposits worth Rs 2.18 crore belonging to journalist Upendra Rai and others in connection with a 2018 money-laundering case.

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached flats in Noida and fixed and bank deposits worth Rs 2.18 crore in connection with a 2018 money-laundering case against journalist Upendra Rai and others. Rai, the CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express, a Hindi news channel, has vehemently denied the charges and expressed shock and concern over the contents of the ED press release.

Provisional Order Issued Under PMLA

The ED has issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach these properties. The immovable properties include flats owned by Rai in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, while the movable properties consist of fixed deposits (FDs) and balances in savings accounts.

Rai Denies Allegations, Challenges Prosecutions

Rai has strongly refuted the allegations made against him and asserted that he has challenged the prosecutions of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED. He expressed confidence that the courts will find no merit in these allegations and emphasized that there are no proceeds of crime in this case. Rai also criticized the ED press release for attempting to prejudice his case and conduct a media trial, which he believes is unwarranted by law.

ED Investigation Reveals Extortion Charges

The ED investigation has revealed that Rai, along with his brother Narender Rai and other associates, was involved in extorting money from various individuals and entities by threatening action from investigative agencies. The extorted money was received in cash and kind through various bank accounts under the guise of consultancy services. The total amount of money extorted as proceeds of crime in this case is estimated to be Rs 52.55 crore.

Previous Attachments and Charge Sheets

In 2018, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 26.65 crore in this case and filed two charge sheets. The current attachment involves assets valued at Rs 2.18 crore.

The ED's attachment of flats and deposits in connection with the money-laundering case against journalist Upendra Rai has sparked controversy and raised concerns about media freedom. Rai's denial of the allegations and his challenge to the prosecutions highlight the complexities of the case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome will be closely watched by journalists, legal experts, and the public alike.