Hyderabad: Impostor threatens ED officials, arrested in Heera Gold probe
After his arrest, Banerjee appeared in Nampally Special PMLA Court, sent to judicial custody until January 23.
Hyderabad: ED arrests man impersonating officer in Heera Gold probe
In a shocking turn of events in Hyderabad, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a man accused of impersonating an ED official and attempting to interfere with the ongoing investigation into the Heera Gold case. The accused, identified as Kalyan Banerjee, allegedly tried to manipulate the investigation targeting Nowhera Shaik and other key figures associated with the Heera Group, who are booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
According to the ED, Banerjee went to great lengths to portray himself as a close associate of senior bureaucrats and politicians. He reportedly began sending messages and making calls to ED officers, attempting to influence them into altering the course of the auction process related to properties attached in the ongoing case. When officials insisted on following due legal procedures, Banerjee escalated matters by issuing threats and putting undue pressure on them.
Following his arrest, Banerjee was produced before the Nampally Special PMLA Court and was sent to judicial custody until January 23. During statements recorded under PMLA provisions, he admitted to impersonating an ED officer and revealed that he was acting under the instructions of Nowhera Shaik and her associates.
The Heera Gold case: A large-scale financial scam
The Heera Gold case has gripped multiple states across India. The ED is investigating a PMLA case against Nowhera Shaik and several others, following numerous FIRs filed by defrauded investors. Police investigations revealed that Nowhera Shaik and her accomplices had collected a staggering ₹5,978 crore from investors, promising annual returns of over 36 percent. However, investors were left empty-handed as the accused failed to return even the principal amounts, effectively duping thousands of people.
The ED’s probe uncovered that a significant portion of the illicit funds was used by Nowhera Shaik to acquire properties in her name, in the names of her companies, and even in the names of her relatives. During the course of the investigation, assets worth ₹428 crore were attached, and prosecution complaints, along with supplementary complaints, were filed before the Special PMLA Court in Hyderabad.
In line with Supreme Court directives, several of these attached properties were subsequently put up for auction through the MSTC. However, Nowhera Shaik made repeated legal attempts to stall the auction process. When these legal maneuvers failed, she allegedly resorted to hiring Kalyan Banerjee to intervene illegally. Reports suggest that he was promised both a monthly remuneration and commission-based incentives for his efforts.
Impersonation and threats to ED officials
The ED stated that Banerjee, in his role as an impostor, attempted to influence the officers by claiming access to top officials and promising advantages in manipulating the auction. Despite repeated warnings and adherence to due legal processes by the ED officers, he resorted to threatening them to delay the auction of properties obtained through the proceeds of crime.
In his confession under PMLA provisions, Banerjee acknowledged that he knowingly misrepresented himself as an ED official and acted on the directions of Nowhera Shaik and her associates. His attempts to intimidate government officials and manipulate the investigation highlight the audacity with which individuals involved in high-profile financial crimes may operate.
A message on enforcement and accountability
The arrest of Kalyan Banerjee sends a clear message that attempts to obstruct investigations, threaten officials, or manipulate legal processes will not be tolerated. The ED has maintained that its officers will continue to follow due process of law, ensuring that justice is served and the properties acquired through illegal means are properly auctioned.
The Heera Gold case remains one of the most high-profile financial scams in recent years, affecting thousands of investors and involving massive sums of money. With ongoing investigations, judicial proceedings, and enforcement actions, authorities aim to bring the accused to justice while restoring confidence in the legal and financial system.