Kolkata, 03 July (H.S.) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at the residences of a betel nut trader in Nabadwip in West Bengal's Nadia district as part of a suspected money laundering investigation.

The raids were conducted at the two residences of businessman Ashok Adhikari, located in the Manipur area of Nabadwip.

According to sources, ED officials arrived at around 5 a.m. in a convoy of five vehicles and began simultaneous search operations at both properties. Family members said the agency informed them that the searches were linked to a money laundering case.

Ashok Adhikari is reportedly engaged in the betel nut trade not only in West Bengal but also in several northeastern states, including Assam and Tripura. Investigators are examining financial transactions, business records and documents related to his commercial operations across these states.

During the searches, ED officials scrutinised financial records, bank transaction details, business documents and other materials believed to be relevant to the investigation. The search operation was still underway at the time of filing this report, and the agency had not issued any official statement regarding the action.

Sources said the ED is probing the trader's financial dealings, business network and possible links to money laundering. The findings of the searches are expected to determine the agency's subsequent course of action.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh