The Enforcement Directorate launched a massive multi-state operation on Tuesday, conducting raids at 25 locations across Delhi and six other states in connection with the infamous 2000 Red Fort blast case. The coordinated action represents a significant escalation in the financial investigation linked to the terror attack that shook the nation over two decades ago.
Widespread Raids Across Multiple States
The enforcement agency targeted premises in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh as part of its money laundering probe. Among the key locations raided was the Delhi office of Al-Falah University, an institution that has come under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.
According to official sources, the raids began early Tuesday morning and involved multiple teams of ED officials working simultaneously across different states. The operation focused on gathering evidence related to alleged terror funding and money laundering activities connected to the December 2000 attack on the historic Red Fort monument.
The Historic Red Fort Attack
The Red Fort blast occurred on December 22, 2000, when terrorists launched an armed attack on the iconic monument in the heart of Delhi. The assault resulted in the tragic deaths of three personnel from the 7th Rajputana Rifles - Lance Naik Bhanwar Lal, Lance Naik A.S. Yadav, and Civilian Staff Dhanpal.
The case initially investigated by Delhi Police's Special Cell has seen numerous developments over the years. Six Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were convicted in the case in 2005, marking one of the significant legal victories in India's fight against terrorism. However, the financial networks supporting such attacks have remained a focus of ongoing investigations.
Expanding Financial Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate's current action stems from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The agency is specifically investigating allegations of terror funding through hawala channels and other illegal financial transactions that may have supported the planning and execution of the Red Fort attack.
Sources indicate that the raids aimed to uncover documentary evidence, digital records, and financial documents that could establish the money trail connecting various individuals and organizations to the terror funding network. The inclusion of educational institutions like Al-Falah University in the probe suggests investigators are examining potential fronts used for channeling funds.
Tuesday's operation represents one of the most extensive actions taken by financial investigation agencies in recent years concerning historical terror cases. The scale of the raids across seven states indicates the widespread nature of the network being investigated and the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the money laundering angle.
As the investigation continues, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to analyze the seized materials and possibly make further arrests in connection with the case. The development marks a renewed effort to unravel the complete financial ecosystem that supports terrorist activities in the country.
