ED Raids 17 Locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal Over Alleged Bangladeshi Infiltration

The ED conducted raids in Jharkhand and West Bengal amid a money laundering probe tied to alleged Bangladeshi infiltration, just as Jharkhand’s assembly elections begin. The investigation, prompted by trafficking allegations, has sparked political debate, with BJP leaders alleging demographic changes due to unauthorized immigration.

In a money laundering investigation linked to alleged illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on 17 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal on Tuesday. The raids, led by the ED’s Jharkhand office, were part of a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), initiated following a case filed in September.

The investigation centers on claims of Bangladeshi nationals entering India with the assistance of human trafficking networks. Reports allege that some of these individuals entered Jharkhand for work purposes, with several Bangladeshi women apprehended in past raids. The inquiry reportedly began after a complaint from a woman who claimed to have been smuggled into India and identified other victims and facilitators.

These raids coincide with Jharkhand’s assembly elections, which start on November 13 and have seen heightened scrutiny on the issue of illegal infiltration. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accused the Jharkhand government of ignoring the infiltration issue, alleging that the influx has impacted the demographic makeup of tribal-dominated areas such as Santhal Pargana and Kolhan.

This issue has become a focal point of the political discourse, with the Jharkhand High Court previously recommending an impartial investigation panel, although the state government has resisted accepting a widespread infiltration problem.

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The ED’s action also follows prior complaints from locals and law enforcement agencies about trafficking and fake identity documents. With the second phase of elections slated for November 20, the ED’s findings could further impact the political atmosphere in both states.