ED raids premises linked to self-proclaimed Manipur CM – The Tribune

According to officials, the searches were conducted by the ED’s Imphal sub-zonal office at premises associated with the duo, who are key figures of the Salai Group of Companies. The action is part of an ongoing probe into alleged money laundering and unlawful financial activities.

The case has its origins in a 2019 press conference in London, where Biren and Samarjit declared the “independence” of Manipur from the Union of India — actions the agency described as “prejudicial to national integrity” and amounting to waging war against the State, sedition, and promoting disharmony and hatred among different communities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have already registered separate cases in connection with the matter.

According to officials, investigations have revealed that the accused set up the Kadangband Swajaldhara Implementation Committee in May 2003, which was later renamed Smart Society in 2008. They also established Salai Financial Service (SAFFINS), headquartered in Imphal, which was licensed under the Bombay Money Lenders Act, 1946.

Officials allege that the accused, through entities under the Salai Group, illegally collected cash from the public by promising high returns. Smart Society allegedly functioned as an unregistered non-banking financial company, accepting deposits in the guise of “membership fees” and paying interest in cash. A total of Rs 57.36 crore was reportedly mobilised from unsuspecting investors under various schemes.

The ED has accused Biren and Samarjit of diverting the collected funds into personal and company accounts, and of using the money to purchase properties, repay loans, and finance activities aimed at “waging war against the Government of India”.

The funds, described as proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), are under scrutiny by the ED.

The agency said it has unearthed details of investments in immovable properties and seized incriminating documents during the searches. Further investigation is under way.