The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a significant search operation across Haryana on Thursday, targeting properties linked to associates of an individual who is absconding in a money laundering case. The raids covered a total of ten locations in the districts of Sonipat and Panipat.
Widespread Searches in Two Districts
According to official sources, the federal probe agency executed the searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The operation was focused on the premises of accomplices and known associates of the main accused, who has been evading authorities. The ED teams conducted simultaneous raids at various sites to gather evidence related to financial transactions and asset ownership.
The absconding individual is reportedly involved in a separate case being investigated by the Haryana Police. The ED's money laundering investigation stems from this First Information Report (FIR) registered by the state police. The agency is examining potential proceeds of crime generated through the alleged illegal activities.
Seizure of Incriminating Evidence
During the extensive searches, ED officials seized several pieces of crucial evidence. This included digital devices like mobile phones and laptops, along with various paper records and documents. The seized material is expected to contain financial details, transaction records, and communication that could shed light on the movement and laundering of illicit funds.
The agency has not yet disclosed the total estimated value of the assets or transactions under scrutiny. The analysis of the seized evidence is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings. The operation is part of the ED's continued crackdown on financial crimes in the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The primary accused in the case remains at large, and efforts to locate and apprehend them are continuing. The ED's action against the accomplices is seen as a move to pressure the network and uncover the trail of money. The agency will likely summon several individuals for questioning based on the documents recovered during the raids.
This case highlights the inter-agency cooperation where a state police FIR has triggered a deeper financial probe by the central enforcement authority. The ED is expected to follow a meticulous process of tracing the layered transactions to establish the money laundering offense. Further developments in the investigation are anticipated in the coming days as the agency pieces together the evidence from the ten raided locations.
