Jaipur, 17 September (IANS) Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids in Bikaner on Wednesday, with six places associated with four persons, including a former councilor, in relation to the money laundering and suspected foreign funding case.
According to police sources, an ED team, which arrived from Jaipur till late Tuesday night, started raids at the residence at Fad Bazaar, Subhashpura, Dhobi Talai and Sarvodaya Basti at around 7.30 am.
The operation was conducted with heavy security, supported by CRPF and local police personnel who continued till Wednesday evening.
During the raid, the ED sealed the 100 meter circumference around the target premises to prevent the intervention outside.
Police confirmed that Shabir’s houses in Saravodaya Basti, Mohammad Sadiq Ali in Dhobi Talai, Bunty alias Asghar Ali in Fad Bazar and former councilor Javed Khan in Subhashpura were discovered.
The day -long operation continued till Wednesday evening, in which ED officials examined documents, financial records and electronic equipment.
While no official statement was issued about the findings, sources indicated that the agency suspects four persons of receiving money from abroad and then various people have been broadcast money within India.
The presence of CRPF soldiers with the state police underlined the sensitivity of the operation. Local residents reported heavy movement of security forces as raids were conducted in various parts of the city.
Officials said the ED had sought logical support from the district administration and the Superintendent of Police was kept in the loop during the entire operation. However, there was no arrest till late evening.
The ED’s action in Bikaner has triggered extensive discussions in political and commercial circles, as the case allegedly includes networks expanding beyond Rajasthan.
The investigation is still going on, once the agency completes its investigation of the seized materials, more information is expected. The raids are part of the large cracks of the ED on suspected hawala and foreign funding channels, which the agency believes is being used to make a lot of money funnel in the country.
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Arc/PGH