New Delhi, 16 July (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out extensive searches across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, the procurement of forged Indian identity documents, and their permanent rehabilitation in India. The raids targeted an alleged organised network accused of facilitating illegal cross-border infiltration, arranging fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and passports, and using foreign funds to support the settlement of illegal immigrants across the country.
The ED's Lucknow Zonal Office conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at multiple locations, including Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad in West Bengal, Faridabad in Haryana, Deoband in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and several other places. During the operation, the agency seized digital devices, documents and other incriminating material, all of which are being examined. Statements of the persons concerned are also being recorded.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that an organised syndicate allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India and subsequently changed their identities by procuring forged Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and passports. The individuals were then allegedly relocated to different parts of the country for employment and other purposes.
According to the ED, the investigation has further revealed that certain public charitable trusts registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) were linked to the network. These trusts allegedly received funds from organisations based in the United Kingdom, which were subsequently disbursed to suspected beneficiaries in small instalments of ₹6,000, ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 to facilitate their settlement in India.
The agency said the funds were ultimately used for the financial rehabilitation of illegal immigrants to enable their permanent settlement in the country. The assistance allegedly included financial support for purchasing e-rickshaws, securing employment opportunities and providing direct cash assistance.
According to the ED, one group operating in the border districts of West Bengal allegedly facilitated illegal cross-border infiltration, while another group specialised in preparing forged identity documents for the infiltrators. Acting in coordination, the two groups allegedly enabled illegal immigrants to relocate and settle in various parts of the country.
The search operations covered multiple premises, including Kabirbag Millat Academy in North 24 Parganas, Haroa Al-Jamiyatul Islamia Darul Uloom, Tahiriya Welfare Trust, several residential premises in the Batla House area of South Delhi, and locations in Faridabad, Deoband and various districts of West Bengal linked to individuals and institutions under investigation.
The ED said the seized digital evidence and documents are undergoing detailed forensic examination, and further investigation into the case is continuing.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
