New Delhi [India], August 12 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable assets worth INR 96 lakh linked to two contractors of Nagaland's Public Works department in the alleged case of misappropriation of public money during the construction of the new high court complex at Kohima, the agency said on Monday. 

The properties attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 are related to Avituo Sekhose and Mhalelie Rio, the two contractors linked to the case.

The ED’s investigation revealed that the contractors committed criminal activities, caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer, and obtained proceeds of crime. 

The Dimapur sub zone office attached the properties based on an inquiry the ED initiated following a First Information Report registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of Imphal under various sections of Indian Penal Code, 1860. The charges were alleged misappropriation of public money during the construction of the new high court complex at Kohima in Nagaland to the extent of INR 3.61 crore. 

The CBI filed chargesheet against the contractor Avituo Sekhose and engineers of the Nagaland PWD namely one Yapang Jamir, a MI Tongjok Ao and a K Nikato Assumi for allegedly committing offences punishable under IPC, 1860 to the tune of INR 80.25 lakh.    

Another chargesheet was filed by the CBI against the contractors Thepfusatuo Rio, Mhalelio Rio, and Vibeilietuo Kets for allegedly committing offences punishable under IPC, 1860 to the tune of INR 29.68 lakh.  

(ANI)