The Ahmedabad zonal office of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has issued a provisional attachment order (PAO) for immovable properties valued at Rs 2 crore, allegedly acquired through the direct utilization of illegal funds generated by a porter employed with the Western Railway. The attachment was executed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Details of the Case
According to a press release issued by the ED on Thursday, the case involves Prashant Rabari, a porter or box boy with the Western Railway, who reportedly adopted corrupt practices and thereby acquired multiple movable and immovable properties and assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The ED initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by the Gujarat Police under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which disclosed scheduled offenses under the PMLA, the release stated.
Investigation Findings
The agency's investigation revealed that Rabari, during his employment as a porter or box boy with the Western Railway, allegedly amassed assets worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore through movable and immovable properties via corrupt and illegal activities during the check period from January 1, 2017, to February 2, 2021. These assets were held in the name of Rabari and his wife, Amul, according to the release.
Earlier, in 2021, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Gandhinagar had registered an FIR against Rabari, a porter or box boy with Western Railway, Sabarmati. The FIR alleged that Rabari possessed assets valued at 107.8% of his declared income. According to the FIR, the assets included luxury cars, high-end motorcycles, a plot with construction, flats, gold jewelry, and properties allegedly held in the name of his wife, Amul.
Sources indicated that box boys, also known as porters, work as support staff in the railways. They assist in loading and unloading goods and heavy boxes belonging to loco pilots and guards.
