ED raids Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand in money laundering case

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids are underway at the premises of Delhi Cabinet Minister and prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Raaj Kumar Anand, on Thursday. These raids are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, according to official sources. 

The enforcement action by the ED includes searches at the Minister's residence located in the Civil Lines area of Delhi, as well as at several other locations connected to Anand. As per the sources, around 12 premises are being searched at different locations including Delhi. To ensure the smooth conduct of these searches, the ED teams are being accompanied by a unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

#BREAKING | ED launches raids at Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand's premises. Searches commenced early this morning. Raids are underway at 9 premises linked to him.#ED #AAP #ArvindKejriwal #Delhi #RaajKumarAnand 

Tune in - https://t.co/0ZgKFIoNLr pic.twitter.com/9JaNLBob1Y

— Republic (@republic) November 2, 2023

Raaj Kumar Anand, aged 57, currently holds the position of Minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, among other responsibilities, within the government led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Anand serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Patel Nagar.

The investigations were initiated based on the Prosecution Complaint filed by DRI alleging false declarations in imports for customs evasion of more than Rs 7 crores and international Hawala transactions, according to sources. The court has also taken cognisance of the complaint. 

(This is a developing story. Further information awaited)