The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), through its Jaipur Zonal Office, filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC). This complaint triggered the provisions established in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002. This legal action was filed before the prestigious Special Court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in connection with a matter involving Ved Prakash Yadav and several other individuals. On March 21, 2024, the Hon’ble Court officially recognized and acknowledged the prosecution complaint, which marked a crucial step ahead in the legal procedure.
Financial Irregularities: Allegations Against Ved Prakash Yadav
The modus operandi in this case appears to be financial irregularities and alleged corruption on the part of Ved Prakash Yadav, who had a major position as Joint Director at Rajasthan’s Department of Information Technology and Communication. The investigation began after the Rajasthan Police’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR, which cited different provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, charged Ved Prakash Yadav with engaging in illegal activities.
The FIR described the alleged discovery of incriminating evidence, which included two bags containing denomination currencies worth Rs. 2.31 crore and a substantial gold bar measuring 1 kg and valued at Rs. 61.80 lakh. These things were purportedly discovered during standard file scanning activities at the UID Branch of DoIT & C’s offices, notably in the basement. The implication is that Ved Prakash Yadav was reportedly engaged in the purchase or possession of these properties.
The ACB in Jaipur then escalated the case by filing a charge sheet against Ved Prakash Yadav. The charge sheet accused him of collecting disproportionate assets (DA) worth Rs. 3.35 crore over a long period, from March 31, 1994, to May 21, 2023. This reflects a pattern of financial mismanagement or corruption, which could include the abuse of authority or the exploitation of official resources for personal gain.
In this instance, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive searches of 25 properties and lockers spread across Rajasthan, New Delhi, and Maharashtra. These searches were part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Ved Prakash Yadav and others.
As a result of these investigations, Ved Prakash Yadav was captured on August 9, 2023. He was then placed in judicial detention. This action is a significant advance in legal procedures because it marks the transition from investigative measures to the judicial process.
