The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, carried out extensive search operations on 22 December 2025 at 11 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Assam. These actions were undertaken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Digital Arrest case of Shri SP Oswal, a prominent industrialist from Ludhiana.
During the searches, the ED recovered and seized various incriminating documents and digital devices, which are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
Background of the Case
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered by the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana, under relevant provisions of BNSS, 2023. Subsequently, nine additional FIRs registered by different police authorities across India, all related to cybercrime and digital arrest frauds involving the same group, were consolidated into the investigation.
According to the ED, fraudsters impersonating officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) used forged official and judicial documents to digitally arrest Shri S. P. Oswal and coerce him into transferring ₹7 crore into multiple bank accounts.
Recovery of Proceeds of Crime
The ED investigation revealed that out of the defrauded amount, ₹5.24 crore was successfully recovered and returned. The remaining funds were allegedly diverted into multiple mule accounts, many of which were opened in the names of labourers and delivery personnel. These funds were either withdrawn in cash immediately or layered further to conceal the trail.
Role of Accused and Arrest
During the probe, the ED found that Ms. Rumi Kalita played a significant role in the diversion and layering of the proceeds of crime. She allegedly used credentials of various mule accounts in exchange for a percentage of the cheated money as her commission.
Based on evidence gathered during the searches, Ms. Rumi Kalita was arrested on 23 December 2025 under PMLA. Her transit remand for four days was granted by the Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati. She was later produced before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Jalandhar, which granted ED custody for 10 days, valid until 2 January 2026.
Earlier Searches and Ongoing Investigation
The ED also confirmed that earlier searches were conducted on 31 January 2025, which had resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents. The agency stated that further investigation in the matter is currently underway.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing menace of digital arrest cyber frauds and the use of mule accounts to launder illicit funds. The ED’s coordinated multi-state action underscores its continued focus on dismantling organized cybercrime networks and tracing the proceeds of crime under the PMLA framework.
Reference:
ED Press Release dated 25/12/2025: Search in 5 States in the matter of SP Oswal Digital Arrest PMLA Case