Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reported Tuesday that it seized fake Aadhaar cards, passports, illegal arms, and property documents during raids linked to a probe on illegal infiltration from Bangladesh into poll-bound Jharkhand and West Bengal.
In a major crackdown earlier today, the ED conducted searches across multiple locations in these states, investigating suspected money laundering tied to unlawful entries of Bangladeshi nationals. The ED’s office in Jharkhand is focusing on 17 sites across both states, with the operation initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in September to target alleged trafficking of Bangladeshi women into Jharkhand.
Political Tensions Rise Amid Election Season
During recent campaign rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders criticized Jharkhand’s government, alleging negligence in preventing illegal infiltration. They argued that unchecked migration is impacting the demographic composition in regions such as Santhal Pargana and Kolhan.
The Assembly elections are set to occur in two phases, with the first round of voting for 43 seats on Wednesday and a second phase for 38 seats on November 20.
Origins of the ED’s Investigation
The ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), filed under PMLA regulations, stems from an earlier FIR lodged by Jharkhand Police at Ranchi’s Bariyatu police station in June. The ED’s involvement signals a significant escalation in the investigation, which now incorporates federal-level anti-money laundering and anti-trafficking measures.
