ED to zonal heads: Use Natgrid to file 500 chargesheets this fiscal
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) held a high-level meeting in Guwahati, chaired by Director Rahul Navin, where zonal heads were instructed to expedite the filing of chargesheets to meet the target of 500 prosecution complaints by the end of the fiscal year. The meeting emphasized the use of intelligence platforms like Natgrid and Finnet to enhance case management and coordination with other agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Senior officials highlighted challenges like non-cooperation from some state governments and called for greater reliance on international cooperation mechanisms to address emerging risks in financial crimes and cyber fraud.
The conference also addressed issues related to illicit capital outflows disguised as legitimate trade transactions and the identification of proceeds of crime linked to predicate offences. Officers were advised to coordinate with Customs and other agencies to tackle these challenges effectively. The choice of Guwahati as the venue was significant, given the rising anti-Indian activities from neighboring Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as the increasing footprint of the ED in the North-East region, where cases of cybercrime and drug trafficking have surged.
Over the past few years, the ED has expanded its presence in the North-East by opening six new offices across the region. This expansion aligns with efforts to address rising security threats and demonstrate a forward-looking approach to combating crime. The meeting also underscored the importance of restoring confidence in secure environments, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, which have faced significant challenges due to terrorism and cross-border activities.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026