What Led to ED Raids at Eight Locations Linked to Ex-Cong MLA Amba Prasad in Jharkhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED raids target close associates of Amba Prasad.
- Investigation focuses on money laundering linked to a prominent company.
- Previous raids yielded significant evidence including cash and documents.
- Amba Prasad has a political legacy in Jharkhand.
- Continued scrutiny of political figures is necessary for accountability.
Ranchi, July 4 (NationPress) On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids at eight locations associated with close affiliates of former Congress MLA Amba Prasad, representing Jharkhand’s Barkagaon Assembly constituency.
This action is part of a prolonged investigation into money laundering involving a significant company involved in coal transportation, infrastructure, and the power sector.
Sources reveal that coordinated searches were performed in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Barkagaon.
Among the properties searched were the residence of Amba Prasad’s aide Sanjeet in Kishoreganj (Ranchi) and the homes of her personal assistants — Sanjeev Sao, Manoj Dangi, and Pancham Kumar — in Barkagaon.
Heavily armed security forces have been stationed at all sites where the raids are occurring.
This initiative follows a similar operation conducted by the ED between March 12 and March 14 of this year, targeting Amba Prasad, her father, former Minister Yogendra Sao, brother Ankit Raj, and several relatives and associates.
During those earlier raids, the agency confiscated Rs 35 lakh in cash, digital devices, counterfeit stamps from banks and government offices, handwritten receipts, diaries, and other incriminating materials.
Authorities believe that the current searches are informed by evidence and leads obtained from previous operations. The ED is now meticulously reviewing documents related to financial transactions, land acquisitions, and mining activities.
Ten companies allegedly registered under the names of Amba Prasad and her family members are currently under investigation.
Previously, the ED had interrogated Amba Prasad, her father Yogendra Sao, and her brother Ankit Raj at its zonal office in Ranchi concerning the same case.
Amba Prasad was elected to the Jharkhand Assembly from Barkagaon in 2019 on a Congress ticket. Her parents — Yogendra Sao and Nirmala Devi — have also held positions representing the same constituency in the past.