The Enforcement Directorate's Jaipur zonal office has made a significant arrest in a high-profile corruption case, detaining former Behror MLA Baljit Yadav on Tuesday. Yadav, who once captured public imagination with his symbolic sunrise-to-sunset run against corruption at Jaipur's Central Park, now faces serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Officials confirmed that Yadav was detained from Shahjahanpur in Alwar district and subsequently brought to the ED's Jaipur office for intensive questioning. This development follows extensive searches conducted by the enforcement agency on January 24 last year, which covered 10 different locations across Jaipur, Dausa, and Behror as part of a comprehensive money laundering investigation.
The Alleged Financial Irregularities
According to the Enforcement Directorate, the case centers around the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.72 crore during the 2021–22 financial period. The funds in question were allocated from the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) scheme and were intended for the procurement of badminton and cricket equipment for nearly 32 government schools within the Behror constituency.
The searches conducted last year included Yadav's residence in Jaipur's Gyan Vihar area, along with premises connected to officials from private companies involved in the supply of sports equipment. This suggests a coordinated investigation into the entire procurement process.
Legal Proceedings and Background
The investigation was formally initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a First Information Report registered by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau. On December 12 last year, the ACB lodged an FIR against Yadav and officials from four private companies, setting the stage for the ED's involvement in the case.
The Enforcement Directorate is expected to produce Yadav before a special PMLA court on Wednesday, where formal charges will likely be presented. This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has been under investigation for over a year, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address corruption in public fund utilization.
The case presents a stark contrast between Yadav's public image as an anti-corruption crusader, demonstrated through his high-profile run in Jaipur, and the serious allegations now leveled against him regarding the misuse of development funds meant for educational institutions.
