In the illegal mining case, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken control of cash totalling Rs. 11.88 crores that were found in 37 bank accounts belonging to Pankaj Mishra, Dahoo Yadav, and their friends. Before this, on July 8, 2022, the ED searched 19 places in Sahibganj, Barhet, Rajmahal, Mirza Chauki, and Barharwa. These searches led to the discovery of several incriminating papers and Rs 5.34 Crore in unaccounted cash. Five unlawful stone crushers that were being operated from the Site as well as five illegal gun cartridges were also taken by ED during this search operation.
The evidence gathered throughout the course of the inquiry, which included testimony from various people, digital evidence, and papers, showed that the money/bank balance that was confiscated came from the widespread illicit mining that takes place in the Sahibganj region, including the forest area. Additionally, a trail of 100 crore rupees worth of unlawful mining-related proceeds of crime has been found and is being investigated.
Earlier in May 2022, searches at 36 sites related to the MNREGA Scam were carried out in accordance with the PMLA, leading to the recovery of Rs 19.76 Crore in cash. The homes of Pooja Singhal, IAS, and her colleagues were among the places that were searched. The majority of the cash that was confiscated in this instance was acquired from illicit mining and belonged to prominent officials and politicians, according to evidence gathered throughout the course of the investigation, including that gathered during searches and testimonies from various people. Suman Kumar, CA, and Pooja Singhal, who were both detained in connection with this case, are now in judicial custody. This case contains a complaint from the prosecution.
Thus, the ED has seized a total of Rs 36.58 Crore in cash and a bank balance that was obtained illegally through mining and other sources. The probe is being expanded upon.
