Synopsis
In Rajasthan, former minister Pratap Singh Khachriyawas criticized the BJP government following ED raids on his family's properties, suggesting political vendetta. He assured cooperation with the ED while warning BJP leaders about the inevitability of change in power dynamics.Key Takeaways
- Pratap Singh Khachariyawas criticizes BJP for ED raids.
- Accuses the BJP of political vendetta against opposition.
- ED conducted extensive raids linked to the PACL scam.
- Khachariyawas vows to cooperate fully with the investigation.
- Concerns raised over selective targeting of Congress leaders.
Jaipur, April 15 (NationPress) Former Rajasthan minister and Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachriyawas condemned the BJP-led Central government after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on properties associated with his family on Tuesday.
"The ED operates under the Central government. I have little faith in this double-engine government. Unwarranted searches are being executed at the residences of my family members," Khachariyawas remarked.
"We will fully cooperate with the ED officials and permit the entire search process to proceed," he added.
Alleging political vendetta by the BJP, he stated, "The BJP administration is so unsettled by my criticisms that they initiated these raids. I've been vocal against them for the past one and a half years. They target anyone who dares to challenge them. I anticipated this day, and I am completely prepared."
Delivering a warning to BJP members, he noted, "I want to remind BJP leaders that no administration lasts indefinitely. Circumstances evolve. Today, you have begun this, but tomorrow we will respond in kind. We are not intimidated. My name is Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. I understand how to handle everyone. When Rahul Gandhi assumes office, what will be your situation?" he concluded.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan's PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra also denounced the raids.
He remarked, "The ED and CBI have become tools of the Indian government. Khachariyawas is an honest leader who has consistently raised concerns about wrongdoing. He voiced his disapproval when Rs 100 crore was spent on IIFA in Rajasthan by the state government. He also clearly stated that temples like Khatu and Govind Dev were developed with funds sanctioned during the Congress administration. He is unafraid of anyone, and thus the ED raids were intended to intimidate him. Today, Khachariyawas represents Congress. Why are only Congress leaders being targeted? Are there no cases against BJP leaders? Has the ED ever raided any BJP officials? The opposition is under attack in this nation," he added.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated raids at numerous locations connected to Khachariyawas concerning the Rs 48,100 crore PACL scam.
The operation commenced around 5 a.m. at 19 locations, including his residence in Jaipur and other properties statewide.
The raids were executed by the Delhi team of the ED, with local units from Jaipur also participating. As per ED sources, the operation is related to alleged money laundering and property investments connected to Rs 2,850 crore, reportedly transferred in the names of Khachariyawas and his family.
A substantial portion of the funds is believed to have been redirected into real estate and other assets.
The PACL scam is one of India's largest financial frauds, wherein over 5.85 crore investors nationwide were deceived under the pretense of real estate investments. In Rajasthan alone, around 28 lakh individuals invested approximately Rs 2,850 crore over 17 years. The scam was exposed following an inquiry by SEBI, which deemed PACL's investment schemes illegal and mandated the company to cease operations on August 22, 2014. Investors' funds remained inaccessible following the closure. In February 2016, the Supreme Court appointed a committee led by former Chief Justice R.M. Lodha to recover funds through the auctioning of PACL’s assets and refunding affected investors with interest.
According to SEBI's evaluation, PACL possesses assets valued at Rs 1.86 lakh crore, four times the amount raised from investors.
