The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable property of an accused worth ₹4.79 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an investigation into the illegal manufacture and sale of alprazolam, a psychotropic substance.
The attachment order was issued on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). The properties include Girmagouni Sudheer, Bishweswar Singh, Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi, Bhavanigari Prabhu Vara Goud, Gajjela Sreesailam Goud and others and are located in various districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The ED has initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered at Gummadidala police station in Sangareddy district against several individuals for their alleged role in the illegal manufacture, sale and purchase of alprazolam.
According to the ED, investigations revealed that Girmagouni Sudheer was involved in the commission business of Alprazolam since 2014 with the help of his brother Bhavanigari Prabhu Var Goud and brother-in-law Gajjel Sreesailam Goud. The substance was sold to toddy sellers who mixed it with toddy to increase its potency.
The investigation further found that Sudheer later expanded the illegal trade with the help of Bishweswar Singh. In 2023, Sudheer and Singh, in association with Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi, purchased the Sai Priya Chemicals factory at Bacharam village in Abdullapurmet, Hyderabad, renamed it Stanchem Chemicals and allegedly started manufacturing Alprazolam on the premises. The proceeds of the sale were divided among the partners in proportion to their investment in the factory.
The ED said proceeds of crime derived from illegal activities were largely received in cash. These funds were either used for outright purchases of real estate in cash or were deposited in bank accounts before being used to purchase real estate. Deposits were made to the accounts of the accused and their spouses, and property was acquired in their names and in the names of their wives.
Earlier, on August 21, 2025, the ED conducted searches at seven premises connected with the case. During the searches, officials seized incriminating documents, ₹5 lakh in Indian currency, foreign currency worth US$834 and €1,910, one 100-gram gold bar and 17 silver bars weighing approximately 2,996.231 grams.
Further investigation of the case is ongoing.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:40 IST