ED Raids Jammu and Punjab Locations in Money Laundering Probe

ED Raids Jammu and Punjab Locations in Money Laundering Probe

Asif Iqbal | October 18, 2023 | 07:59 AM IST | Crime, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

ED Raids Jammu and Punjab Locations in Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Jammu and Punjab, including the premises of former Minister Choudhary Lal Singh, his wife and ex-MLA Kanta Andotra, a Revenue official, and several businessmen. These coordinated actions are part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering related to land allotment to the RB Educational Trust of Choudhary in Kathua district.

Recovery of Key Documents

The primary objective of these raids is to recover specific documents that have been seized by the ED officials during their operations. The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with this matter, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.

Raids Across Multiple Locations

The Enforcement Directorate conducted the raids at various locations, including the RB Educational Trust in Krandi Khurd, the residential premises of Lal Singh and his wife Kanta Andotra in Kathua, and the residences of individuals such as Ravinder Singh, Sunil Singh, Asheesh Singh Kotwal, Bharat Bushan, Ajay Mangotra, Anil Mangotra, and Veena Devi. These locations were reportedly linked to the alleged money laundering operation.

The CBI’s Prior Involvement

The Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) had already registered a separate case related to the land acquisition by RB Educational Trust approximately three years ago. The CBI initiated an investigation against the trust for exceeding the land ceiling fixed by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.

This case also involved allegations against retired and serving Revenue officials who were accused of aiding the trust in acquiring land beyond the permissible limits, thus violating the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976.The CBI’s initial inquiry was prompted by “source information” about the encroachment of a substantial amount of public, government, and forest land in Kathua district.

This encroachment was allegedly carried out by unscrupulous elements, in collusion with revenue and forest officials. The CBI took action by filing a charge sheet in October 2021, implicating the accused revenue officials in a criminal conspiracy with the RB Educational Trust to unlawfully hold land beyond the legally defined limits.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.