The ED’s raids in Imphal follows earlier cases by the NIA and CBI, with further investigation, asset attachment, and arrests likely. The action targets Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit, who in 2019 claimed to head a self-styled Manipur “government-in-exile” from London.
BY PC Bureau
December 17, 2025: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at five locations in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud and activities deemed prejudicial to national security.
The searches were conducted by the ED’s Imphal Sub-Zonal Office at premises connected to Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit, who came into national focus in 2019 after projecting themselves as the “Chief Minister” and “External Affairs & Defence Minister” of a self-proclaimed Manipur State Council. Both are senior figures associated with the Salai Group of Companies.
According to officials, the action forms part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is based on earlier cases registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency is probing allegations that funds generated through financial fraud were diverted to support activities undermining India’s sovereignty.
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The case traces its origins to October 2019, when Biren and Samarjit addressed a press conference in London, declaring Manipur’s “independence” from India and claiming to head a so-called government-in-exile. Investigating agencies have described these actions as serious offences, including sedition and attempts to wage war against the state.
Investigators allege that the duo’s financial operations date back to 2003, beginning with the formation of the Kadangband Swajaldhara Implementation Committee, later renamed Smart Society in 2008. Subsequently, they set up Salai Financial Service (SAFFINS), based in Sagolband Tera Loukrak, Imphal, operating under a licence issued under the Bombay Money Lenders Act, 1946, as extended to Manipur.
Through these entities—particularly Smart Society, which allegedly functioned as an unregistered non-banking financial company—the accused are said to have illegally mobilised public deposits by promising unusually high returns. Funds were reportedly collected in the guise of “membership fees,” with interest often paid in cash to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Authorities estimate that around Rs 57.36 crore was raised from investors through various schemes.
Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches on Yambem Biren, self- styled “Chief Minister of Manipur State Council”, and Narengbam Samarjit, self-styled “External Affairs and Defence Minister of Manipur State Council. The searches are being carried out at five different… pic.twitter.com/onIcCqPvua
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025
The ED has alleged that the money, classified as “proceeds of crime,” was diverted for personal use, routed through Salai Group accounts, invested in immovable properties, used for loan repayments, and channelled into activities linked to the separatist agenda, including the London declaration and efforts to mobilise support for an alleged armed wing of the Manipur State Council.
During Wednesday’s searches, officials said they recovered documents and records related to property investments and financial transactions. The agency maintained that the funds were used to support seditious and anti-national activities.
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The case has previously seen action by central agencies. In 2021, the NIA arrested Narengbam Samarjit after his return from London and later filed chargesheets against him, Yambem Biren, and others under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, among other laws. The CBI has also pursued parallel investigations into alleged fraud and conspiracy.
