Ranchi: ED files complaint against Naxalite leader Dinesh Gop and 19 others, reveals illegal earnings of Rs 20 crore

Ranchi, October 18 (IANS). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a supplementary chargesheet in the special PMLA court in Ranchi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 against banned Naxalite organization People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) leader Dinesh Gop and 19 other persons and entities. This action was taken in the case of terror funding and money laundering, in which PLFI made illegal earnings of around Rs 20 crore through extortion and levies. ED probe has so far revealed money laundering worth Rs 3.36 crore. ED has started investigation based on FIR and charge sheets of Jharkhand Police and National Investigation Agency (NIA). This includes organized crimes such as murder, attempted murder, extortion and terrorist activities. Investigation revealed that Dinesh Gop extorted money from contractors, traders and transporters in Jharkhand and neighboring states through violence, arson and threats. An attempt was made to make this illegal money appear legal in a complicated manner. Dinesh Gop created fake companies in the names of his wives, Shakuntala Kumari and Heera Devi, who had no legitimate business. Thereby, cash was deposited into bank accounts. This money was then distributed at various levels through hawala, local money transfers and third-party trading, so that its criminal origins could be concealed. Luxury vehicles, fixed deposits and other assets were purchased with this money. It was also used for the personal expenses of the family. The ED had earlier filed a chargesheet against PLFI associate Nivesh Kumar for money laundering of Rs 4 crore, which included Rs 2 crore received from Dinesh Gope for purchase of arms. Dinesh Gop was arrested on August 20, 2025. In the new complaint, ED has sought prosecution of all 21 accused and confiscation of assets worth Rs 20 crore, including cash, bank balance and vehicles. The investigation is still ongoing. –IANS SHK/VC Share this story Tags