In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized a massive haul of unaccounted wealth, estimated at a staggering Rs 48 crore, from locations linked to alleged gangster Inderjit Singh Yadav and his associates in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
Massive Haul of Cash and Jewellery Uncovered
The federal probe agency launched extensive searches on Tuesday, which continued late into Wednesday. The operation yielded a shocking recovery of unaccounted cash exceeding Rs 5 crore. Officials had to call in bank staff with currency counting machines to tally the huge sum of money, suspected to be the laundered proceeds of crime.
Beyond the cash, the ED discovered a suitcase packed with gold and diamond jewellery valued at more than Rs 8 crore. Furthermore, the searches led to the recovery of documents pertaining to various properties, whose estimated worth is around Rs 35 crore.
Probe Linked to Extortion and Illegal Activities
A senior official familiar with the investigation stated that the money laundering case stems from Yadav's alleged involvement in a series of illegal activities. "The money laundering investigation has been initiated in connection with Inderjit Singh Yadav's illegal extortion, coercive loan settlement of private financers, arms intimidation and earning commission from such illegal activities," the official revealed.
The accused, who is politically connected, is currently absconding. Investigators believe Yadav has fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to evade arrest and prosecution.
Long Criminal History with Multiple FIRs
Inderjit Singh Yadav is not a new name to law enforcement agencies. His alleged criminal empire has been on the radar of police in neighbouring states. There are more than 15 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered and chargesheets filed by the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Police against Yadav and his associates.
These cases involve serious charges under various sections of the stringent Arms Act and other laws, painting a picture of a long-standing and violent criminal operation. The ED's latest action is a significant step in dismantling the financial network that supported these alleged activities.
The recovery of such a substantial amount of assets underscores the scale of the illicit operations Yadav is accused of running. The investigation is ongoing as the agency pieces together the paper trail and attempts to attach the identified properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
