ED Investigation Finds LTTE Funding Plot Through ₹42 Crore Mumbai Bank Account

An Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation has uncovered an alleged conspiracy linked to the revival of the banned terrorist organization LTTE. According to the agency, a Sri Lankan national traveled to India as part of a plan to illegally withdraw nearly ₹42 crore from a dormant bank account belonging to a deceased woman. The case has exposed an international network involving fake documents, financial transfers, and suspected former LTTE operatives. The ED claims that Chennai-based businessman K. Baskaran played a key role in the operation. Investigators allege that around ₹1.66 crore was transferred to his company accounts from abroad, mainly through an LTTE-linked network operating from Denmark. The funds were reportedly meant to facilitate the withdrawal of ₹42.28 crore lying in an inactive bank account at Indian Overseas Bank in Mumbai. According to the ED chargesheet, the network was allegedly coordinated by Umakanthan, a former LTTE cadre currently based in Denmark. Investigators say he used associates in India to execute the plan. As part of the conspiracy, Sri Lankan national Letchumanan Mary Franciska was allegedly sent to India with the task of accessing the bank account of the late Hamida A. Lallji. The investigation revealed that fake powers of attorney and forged identity documents were prepared to gain access to the account. The ED alleges that Franciska managed to obtain Indian identification documents, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and voter ID card, despite her visa expiring in December 2020. Authorities claim she continued to operate in India with the help of other members involved in the network. Investigators also found that around ₹25 lakh in cash had already been withdrawn, while several other financial transactions were carried out involving multiple individuals and Sri Lankan nationals. The ED further alleged that one accused was trained to impersonate businessman Iskandar Lallji in Mumbai. Another accused, identified as E. Mohan, was reportedly trained in Hindi to help carry out the operation more convincingly. The agency stated that large financial rewards were promised to those involved. One accused was allegedly offered 10 percent of the recovered amount, while Mohan was promised ₹1 lakh if the mission succeeded. The name of retired Madras High Court judge Justice N. Kannadasan has also surfaced during the investigation, adding another layer of complexity to the high-profile case.