Granite scam: Enforcement Directorate seizes property worth over Rs 35 crore

During the investigation ED found that C. Periyakaruppan, K Balakrishnan and PT Subiah who were running 2 firms -  Kumar Granites and Kumar Exports - had entered into a criminal conspiracy along with others to illegally quarry multi-colour granite stones from non-lease hold lands. 

According to a press release from the ED, they have also resorted to illegal quarrying from the government poramboke lands by removing the boundary stones erected by the revenue department. They had used various machinery and explosive materials, without adhering to statutory obligations and safety precautions causing harm to human lives. They forged and fabricated documents for transporting illegally acquired granite blocks to cheat statutory authorities and to camouflage illegally earned income, said the press release.  

ED has conducted investigation against Kumar Granites and Kumar Exports to identify the crime proceeds involved in two charge sheets filed by the Tamil Nadu police before the judicial magistrate, Melur. The investigation revealed the firms are selling the illegally mined granite blocks in the international/domestic market in excess of the declared quantity and realized the sale proceeds. The same were re-invested in acquisition of the immovable properties, capital goods etc and got further additional revenues. Thus the proceeds of crime were integrated and projected as money acquired through legitimate business.  During investigations, it was found that the accused had by utilizing the crime proceeds, acquired immovable properties in their name individually and jointly and also in the name of their sons.