The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out search operations on November 18 across six locations in Assam and New Delhi, intensifying its investigation into an alleged money-laundering network involving forged supply orders issued in the names of two autonomous councils in the state.

Searches were conducted in Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Tezpur, and at a premises in New Delhi, all tied to individuals suspected of creating and using fake government documents to obtain high-value supply orders. The probe focuses mainly on Rishiraj Kaundinya, Mukesh Jain, Biju Das, and several other associates.

While the case has been quietly developing for months, the latest round of searches marks a significant escalation by the agency.

Why the ED Is Investigating This Case

The centre of the ED’s investigation is a suspected racket involving fabricated supply orders issued under the names of:

• Dima Hasao Autonomous Council
• Mising Autonomous Council

According to officials, the orders were allegedly forged to obtain goods from suppliers without any intention of making payments later. The types of supplies mentioned in the documents include:

• Blankets
• Tarpaulins
• Yarn and textile-related items
• Solar equipment
• Basic infrastructure materials

On paper, most of these orders looked like regular government procurement deals. But investigators say they were created using fake signatures, forged cheques, clearance notes, and fabricated purchase orders.

One ED officer said that suppliers were reportedly lured with unusually large contracts, often with the promise of urgent delivery needs. “The pattern was the same in almost every case—high-value orders, an advance commission demanded, and then silence once the goods were delivered,” the official added.

What the ED Found During the Searches

During the November 18 raids, ED teams seized a considerable amount of material that they believe is linked to proceeds of the alleged crime. The recoveries include:

• ₹14.5 lakh in cash
• Bank accounts frozen totalling ₹13.68 lakh
• Two vehicles taken under custody
• A land sale deed worth ₹65 lakh, which investigators say is connected to the laundered funds
• Digital documents, files and devices for forensic examination

Officials described the land deed as a “direct asset creation using illegal money,” although this will be cross-verified through valuation reports and property records.

The seizure of digital documents, according to investigators, is likely to produce more clarity because many forged government orders are believed to have been created electronically.

How the Scheme Allegedly Worked

From what has been uncovered so far, the entire operation followed a similar pattern across multiple suppliers in Assam.

Step-by-step breakdown of the alleged scheme:

1. Fake government supply orders were prepared in the names of the Autonomous Councils.
2. These orders were then used to convince suppliers to deliver large quantities of goods.
3. Before delivery, the accused allegedly demanded an “advance commission”, claiming it was a standard requirement for processing government contracts.
4. Once goods were delivered, payments were delayed repeatedly, later withheld altogether.
5. The goods were allegedly diverted or resold in some instances.

The ED estimates:

• Non-payment to suppliers totals around ₹9.86 crore
• Commission collected is about ₹2.04 crore

Many suppliers came forward complaining that they never received payments and were left with huge financial losses. A Guwahati-based supplier, who did not wish to be named, said he “never imagined government orders could be forged so convincingly.”

Real-World Impact: Small Suppliers Hit the Hardest

Cases like this often affect small and mid-level suppliers the most. Many of them operate on tight margins, and losing payment on bulk orders can push them into serious debt.

One small supplier from Tezpur reportedly had to shut down his unit temporarily after supplying tarpaulins worth several lakhs and not receiving a single rupee in return. Situations like these show how forged orders can destabilize local businesses and disrupt regional markets.

Such frauds also damage trust in genuine government procurement systems, which already face criticism for delays and procedural complexities.

What Happens Next?

The ED has stated that further investigation is underway to:

• Track the full money trail
• Identify additional assets purchased using the suspected proceeds
• Pinpoint anyone else involved in forging or circulating government documents
• Begin restitution and compensation processes for affected suppliers

If more financial links are found, the agency may attach properties, freeze more accounts, and file supplementary complaints under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Officials also hinted that more people may be questioned in the coming weeks. Since the alleged fraud involves forged government documents, police and state agencies may also file parallel cases.

Why This Case Matters for Assam and the Northeast

Assam has seen a rise in procurement-related irregularities over the past few years. While not all cases reach the scale of this investigation, even smaller scams can weaken public trust in autonomous bodies.

Two reasons make this case particularly significant:

1. Involvement of Autonomous Councils

These councils manage welfare and development in tribal and remote regions. Any misuse of their name or authority affects vulnerable communities who rely on these institutions.

2. High Volume of Non-Payment

Nearly ₹10 crore in unpaid dues is not a small figure for local suppliers, many of whom survive on seasonal orders.

This case highlights the need for stronger digital verification systems, especially when it comes to government procurement documents that can be easily forged.

Quick Summary Table

FAQs

1. Why did the ED conduct these searches?
To investigate a suspected money laundering scheme involving forged government supply orders issued using the names of two autonomous councils in Assam.

2. How much money is involved in this case?
Around ₹9.86 crore in unpaid dues to suppliers and ₹2.04 crore in collected commission, according to ED estimates.

3. Who are the main accused?
Rishiraj Kaundinya, Mukesh Jain, Biju Das, and others linked to the alleged racket.

4. What did the ED seize during the raids?
Cash, frozen bank accounts, vehicles, a land deed valued at ₹65 lakh, and digital documents.

5. What are the next steps in the investigation?
Tracing additional proceeds, identifying more suspects, and working toward restitution for suppliers.

While the Enforcement Directorate probes the Assam supply orders scam, it is important to remember how oversight and timely approvals play a critical role in governance. For instance, the Supreme Court’s key ruling on Bill assentclarified timelines and executive responsibilities under Articles 200 and 201, showing the importance of timely decision-making in state administration.