ED raids on ex-MLA Baljit Yadav, officials end; Rs 30 lakh, documents seized

JAIPUR: Enforcement Directorate (ED) Saturday concluded its raids on ten different premises linked to former Behror MLA Baljit Yadav and employees of some firms in connection with the misappropriation of MLA LAD funds and the supply of substandard sports equipment in Alwar district in 2021.
The raids resulted in seizure of Rs 30 lakh cash and incriminating evidence, including documents, a mobile phone and a laptop, said ED officials. On Friday, teams from ED's zonal office carried out searches at ten locations, including the residence of Yadav, to investigate misuse of MLA LAD funds and distribution of poor-quality sports equipment to govt schools in 2021-22. The searches covered Yadav's Gyan Vihar residence in Jaipur and some sites in Dausa and Behror, including premises connected to officials of some private companies, said sources.
ED's investigation was launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act following an FIR registered by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Yadav and officials of four companies on Dec 12 last year for alleged embezzlement of funds in the purchase of sports equipment for govt schools in 2021-22 by using MLA LAD funds. The investigation centres on the alleged misappropriation of Rs 3.72 crore in the procurement of badminton and cricket equipment for nearly 32 govt schools in Behror constituency.
"Rs 30 lakh cash and jewellery have so far been seized from a private person who is indirectly linked to this case. Yadav's mobile phone was seized at his residence as it has important evidence related to the case. His bank documents were also seized. Some others' bank account details and other important incriminating evidence have also been taken on record through our raids," said an ED officer on condition of anonymity.
Eight locations in Jaipur and one each in Dausa and Behror were raided in ED's operations since Friday. The locations belonged to Yadav and officials of the companies that allegedly provided substandard sports equipment and received Rs 3.72 crore.
Yadav, as an independent MLA, had started a movement against corruption during the Congress govt.