ED Raid: ED’s big action on the funding network of Rohingya-Bangladeshi infiltration, raids in 4 states; 40 lakh cash and gold coins recovered

Digital Desk, Lucknow. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has tightened its grip on alleged illegal infiltration into India and its economic networks. As part of its investigation into a money laundering case related to the alleged infiltration of Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals into India, the ED on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and West Bengal. During the operation, around Rs 40 lakh in cash and 180 grams of gold coins were recovered from West Bengal.

ED action at 13 locations in four states

According to officials, the ED’s Lucknow regional office conducted raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at around 13 places in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoband (Saharanpur), Delhi’s Jamia Nagar, Haryana’s Ballabhgarh (Faridabad) and West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Murshidabad.

The role of trust related to FCRA is also under investigation

The ED is specifically investigating a gang that allegedly operated through a public charitable trust registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). According to the investigating agency, this trust had received foreign donations from some British institutions, the use of which is also being investigated.

Rs 40 lakh and 180 grams of gold coins seized

According to officials, around Rs 40 lakh in cash and gold coins weighing 180 grams were recovered during the raid from the office and library of Harora Al-Jamiyatul Islamia Darul Uloom in Kalilakapur, West Bengal.

The case was registered on the basis of FIR of UP ATS

This ED case is based on the FIR registered by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) in the year 2024. The FIR alleges that an organized gang was allegedly involved in the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi citizens into India, preparing fake Indian documents like Aadhaar card, PAN card and passport for them and settling them in different parts of the country.

Allegation of rehabilitation through ‘funding network’

According to the investigating agencies, the investigation has revealed a complex financial network, in which the role of some charitable trusts and institutions is also being investigated. It is alleged that the amount of foreign donation was transferred through various bank accounts and middlemen.

ED suspects that money was sent in small installments of Rs 6,000, 8,000 and Rs 10,000 for the rehabilitation of suspects. The investigating agency claims that this money was allegedly used to settle the infiltrators in India, provide employment and provide means of livelihood like e-rickshaws.

Investigative agencies also keep an eye on border districts

According to officials, one group operating in some border districts of West Bengal allegedly helped Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals to infiltrate into India, while another group prepared identity documents for them and sent them to different parts of the country. Investigation is ongoing in the matter.