In a startling turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of Congress MLA Surender Panwar and former INLD MLA Dilbagh Singh in Haryana, unearthing a cache of illegal possessions including cash, liquor, and arms. The raids were part of an investigation into alleged illegal mining activities.
The extensive search operations by the ED yielded shocking discoveries, including over ₹5 crore in cash, more than a hundred bottles of liquor, three gold biscuits weighing 4 to 5 kilograms, and approximately 300 cartridges of illegal foreign-made weapons. These findings have escalated the investigation, shedding light on potential illicit activities linked to the political figures.
The probe, centered around accusations of unlawful mining, targeted the residences and associates of Surender Panwar, a sitting Congress MLA from Sonipat, and Dilbagh Singh, a former INLD legislator from Yamunanagar. The raids, spanning across multiple locations in Yamunanagar, Sonipat, Mohali, Faridabad, Chandigarh, and Karnal, aimed to gather evidence related to alleged malpractices in the mining sector.
The Enforcement Directorate’s intervention in this case stems from a money laundering investigation initiated back in 2013, triggered by multiple cases registered by Haryana police regarding the alleged illegal extraction of boulders, gravel, and sand. These activities were purportedly conducted in violation of a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on mining.
Furthermore, the ED highlighted allegations against the MLAs concerning a counterfeit ‘e-Ravaana’ scheme. This online platform, introduced by the Haryana government in 2020, aimed to streamline the issuance of bills and slips for mining operations, preventing tax evasion and ensuring proper collection of royalties. However, the accused individuals are suspected of exploiting this system for ulterior motives.
During the raids, the ED seized not only significant sums of cash, liquor, and firearms but also confiscated the mobile phones of family members and staff present at the targeted residences. The severity of the discoveries has intensified the scrutiny on the alleged involvement of these political figures in activities that breach legal and ethical boundaries.
The unfolding events have sparked widespread attention and raised concerns about the ethical conduct and integrity of public representatives. As investigations continue, the implications of these findings could have far-reaching consequences, impacting the political landscape and raising pertinent questions about governance, accountability, and adherence to the law.
Sources By Agencies
