New Delhi, Jun 30 (IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable properties, worth Rs 1.40 crore, of Assam Public Service Commission's (APSC) former Chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul in a corruption case.

The attached assets include seven immovable properties, including two flats at a prime location at Saktigarh Path in Guwahati and one commercial space at Bhangagarh in the region, and Rs 10 lakh in cash that was recovered from Paul's residence.

The ED has been investigating the case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on FIR registered under Prevention of Corruption Act by the Assam Police on irregularities related to recruitment of candidates in government services in Assam through the examinations conducted by the APSC.

Investigation by state police established that Paul, along with other accused persons, hatched a criminal conspiracy and manipulated the system of selection of candidates by the APSC in lieu of illegal gratification, the ED said. Investigation has revealed that Paul had invested the illegitimate money in purchasing different various movable and immovable properties in his name and in the name of his family members at different locations in Assam.

Investigation further revealed that Paul purchased the properties at much lower prices as shown in the agreement papers and sale deeds as compared to their market value at that point of time. The investigation established that the value of the property shown in the sale deeds were hugely suppressed by Paul to launder the money illegally earned.