LUCKNOW, Feb. 1 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started tracing the money trail in the CGST bribery case in Jhansi, where over Rs.1 crore in cash was recovered during a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operation, sources said. A formal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is likely to be registered once further evidence is gathered, potentially leading to the attachment of properties believed to be linked to alleged illegal gains.

Officials said the ED has compiled detailed records of assets linked to the main accused - CGST deputy commissioner Prabha Bhandari, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, and two superintendents, Anil Tiwari and Ajay Sharma. The agency is examining properties held in their re...