ED Files Prosecution Complaint In DA Case Against Ex-Vice Chancellor of Magadh University

(Judicial Quest News Network)

Patna, April 18, 2025: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Patna in connection with a money laundering case arising from a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against Dr. Rajendra Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Magadh University, and others.

The complaint, filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, includes four accused:

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• Dr. Ashok Kumar (Son of Dr. Rajendra Prasad)
• Awadhesh Prasad (Brother of Dr. Rajendra Prasad)
• Pyari Devi Memorial Welfare Trust (Family-owned trust)

The Hon’ble Court took cognizance of the complaint on the same day—April 15, 2025.

The Case: Abuse of Public Office & Laundering Through Family Trust

ED initiated the investigation following an FIR registered by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), Patna, under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Indian Penal Code, 1860, which alleged that Dr. Rajendra Prasad, during his tenure from September 2019 to November 2021, acquired disproportionate assets worth ₹2.66 crore while serving as Vice Chancellor of Magadh University.

Further investigation by ED under PMLA identified additional assets valued at ₹64.53 lakh, classified as Proceeds of Crime (POC).

ED’s probe revealed that Dr. Rajendra Prasad utilized these illicit funds to:

• Purchase five immovable properties in cash under the names of his son Dr. Ashok Kumar and R.P. College, represented by his brother Awadhesh Prasad
• Transfer the properties acquired in the name of R.P. College to Pyari Devi Memorial Welfare Trust under lease agreements
• Deposit cash POC directly into the bank account of the family-owned Pyari Devi Memorial Welfare Trust to camouflage it as legitimates trust income

This systematic diversion and layering of funds demonstrate a well-planned conspiracy involving close family members, aimed at laundering proceeds of corruption and portraying tainted assets as legitimate.

Assets Attached

ED has provisionally attached immovable properties linked to the accused to the tune of ₹64.53 lakh (approx.), held in the names of family members and the family trust.

Further Investigation Is Underway

The Directorate of Enforcement remains committed to uncovering the full extent of the money laundering activities and ensuring that public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain are held accountable.