Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ranchi Zonal Office has arrested Dinesh Gope, the Supremo of
the proscribed extremist organization, People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), in connection with
an ongoing money laundering investigation. The arrest was made at Palamu Central Jail, Jharkhand,
under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Following his arrest,
Gope was produced via VC before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Ranchi, which has remanded
him to judicial custody for 14 days.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs and Chargesheets filed by the Jharkhand
Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Dinesh Gope and other members of the
PLFI. The predicate offences include serious crimes such as murder, attempt to murder, extortion,
and criminal activities booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
ED investigation revealed that Dinesh Gope, in his capacity as the head of PLFI, was running an
extensive and organized extortion racket. He was instrumental in the forcible collection of illegal
‘levy’ from various contractors, businessmen, coal traders, and transporters operating in Jharkhand
and adjoining states, generating Proceeds of Crime (POC) estimated to be approximately Rs. 20
Crore. This extorted money was then systematically laundered through a complex network of shell
companies and firms. These entities were established in the names of his two wives and close
associates with the specific intent to conceal the illicit origin of the funds and project them as
untainted. The investigation has further revealed that the laundered funds were utilized to finance
the operational activities of the PLFI, procure sophisticated arms and ammunition, and acquire
numerous movable and immovable properties.
Further investigation is in progress to trace the complete trail of the POC and to identify other
individuals and assets involved in the money laundering network
