The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids across 17 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal as part of an investigation into illegal money laundering associated with the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals. This operation took place on Tuesday, shortly before the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.
Enforcement Directorate’s Crackdown Amidst Jharkhand Elections
On Tuesday, the ED launched a significant raid across various sites in Jharkhand, which is preparing for its assembly elections. In addition to targeting locations in Jharkhand, several areas in West Bengal were also investigated. The ED’s actions are aimed at cracking down on alleged illegal immigration activities involving Bangladeshi nationals, focusing particularly on the illicit flow of money associated with this infiltration.
17 Locations Raided Across Jharkhand and West Bengal
The ED, operating from its Jharkhand office, conducted searches at 17 different premises across Jharkhand and neighbouring West Bengal. These raids are part of a larger probe concerning illegal immigration and financial activities connected to Bangladeshi nationals suspected of entering India unlawfully.
Assembly Elections Scheduled in Jharkhand and West Bengal By-Elections
Jharkhand’s assembly elections are set to begin on Wednesday, November 13, marking the first phase of voting. The second phase is scheduled for November 20. Additionally, by-elections for six assembly seats in West Bengal will also take place on November 13. These elections add a layer of significance to the ED’s actions, as political attention is heightened in the region.
ED Investigates Money Laundering Linked to Infiltration and Trafficking
In September, the ED initiated a formal investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This case involves examining the infiltration and trafficking of Bangladeshi women into Jharkhand, where illegal earnings or “slush money” are believed to be generated. According to reports, the case was initiated following a complaint by a woman who allegedly entered India illegally, with the assistance of intermediaries, in search of employment.
Woman’s Complaint Leads to Detailed Investigation
The woman who filed the complaint claimed to have crossed the India-Bangladesh border with the aid of traffickers. In her complaint, she identified approximately five to six women reportedly involved in the infiltration network. These women were apprehended in a raid at a local resort. The complainant managed to escape from a similar facility and reached a police station, where she disclosed these details to authorities. During the raid, officials discovered that one of the detained women possessed a counterfeit Aadhaar card.
Political Accusations of Infiltration Affecting Tribal Areas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused the Jharkhand government of failing to curb illegal immigration, arguing that such inaction is changing the demographic composition of tribal-dominated areas like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan. Modi’s criticisms have centred on the government’s apparent unwillingness to address the infiltration problem, which he claims is impacting these regions.
High Court Orders Independent Probe Amid Controversy
Responding to the increasing concerns about illegal infiltration, a High Court ruling called for the creation of an independent panel to investigate the influx of Bangladeshi immigrants. Prime Minister Modi criticized the Jharkhand administration’s reluctance to recognize the issue and cooperate with the investigation.
Overview of Assembly Elections and Ongoing Investigations
The first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections will cover 43 constituencies, with the second phase on November 20 targeting 38 more seats. Meanwhile, the ED continues its investigation based on an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) filed under the PMLA. This ECIR stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by Jharkhand Police in June at the Bariyatu police station in Ranchi, marking a key point in this ongoing investigation into illegal infiltration and money laundering activities in the region.
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