The ED conducted raids at multiple locations in connection with a ₹57 crore money laundering and sedition case
Imphal: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Manipur on December 17 as part of a money laundering investigation, officials said.
The probe concerns alleged illegal fund collection and activities linked to waging war against the Government of India.
At least five premises in Imphal were raided in connection with the case.
The searches are linked to Yambem Biren, who claims to be the chief minister of the self-styled Manipur State Council, and Narengbam Samarjit, who describes himself as the council’s external affairs and defence minister.
The ED said both are key figures in the Salai Group of Companies and are accused of collecting over Rs 50 crore from the public through fraudulent investment schemes.
The funds were allegedly used for activities amounting to sedition and waging war against the Indian state.
The case originates from a 2019 press conference in London, where Biren and Samarjit allegedly declared Manipur’s independence from India.
The ED said this act involved sedition, promotion of enmity among groups, and challenged the country’s sovereignty.
The accused had previously been booked by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
According to the ED, Biren and Samarjit initially formed the “Kadangband Swajaldhara Implementation Committee” in May 2003, later renamed Smart Society in August 2008.
They subsequently set up Salai Financial Service (SAFFINS), with its registered office in Sagolband Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Imphal.
The agency alleged that Smart Society operated illegally as a non-banking financial company (NBFC), collecting cash deposits from the public under the guise of membership fees and paying returns only in cash.
Investors were reportedly lured with promises of high interest rates.
“An amount of Rs 57.36 crore was collected from investors under various schemes and deposited into personal accounts of the Salai Group, Smart Society, and their directors,” the ED said.
The agency added that the funds are considered proceeds of crime and were allegedly used to promote sedition, enmity, and waging war against the Government of India.
