KOLKATA, INDIA – The Calcutta High Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate a case involving a Bangladeshi citizen, Umashankar Agarwal, who has been residing in India with an expired visa. Agarwal is accused of running a business illegally and laundering money outside India.
The court’s order comes after a division bench, comprising Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, reviewed the case. The ED is expected to probe the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to allegations, Agarwal’s company invested significant funds diverted from Bangladesh in various real estate projects in West Bengal. The funds are suspected to have been diverted to cross-border smuggling rackets and underground terrorist groups.
The Kolkata Police had earlier initiated an investigation and arrested Agarwal, who was later released on bail. The court has now ordered the police to hand over the case details and investigation to the ED.
This development highlights the need for stringent monitoring of visa violations and financial crimes, particularly those with cross-border implications. The ED’s investigation is expected to uncover the full extent of Agarwal’s illegal activities and their potential links to terror financing.
