ED attaches ₹50cr assets linked to Manipur's Biren, Samarjit
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth ₹50.80 crore linked to the Salai Group, SMART Society and associated entities, after its key figures, Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit, were accused of running an illegal Ponzi scheme and using the money to support a push for Manipur's independence.
Back in 2019, both men made headlines by declaring Manipur "independent" at a London press conference, while allegedly collecting over ₹57 crore from people with promises of big returns that never had any legal backing.
NIA, CBI, and ongoing cases
Biren and Samarjit reportedly moved the money through 19 different companies, setting up entities such as Smart Society, which allegedly accepted deposits under the guise of 'membership fees,' and Salai Financial Services (SAFFINS), which is accused of improperly collecting deposits without proper authorization.
The funds were then funneled into properties, loan payments, and credit cards, all while supporting unlawful activities.
NIA has filed charges under UAPA and IPC provisions related to conspiracy and cheating; CBI has registered and subsequently chargesheeted a Ponzi/money-circulation fraud case, with cases ongoing in Imphal's special court as authorities dig deeper into their network.