Sahibganj News: ED Raid at Independent Candidate’s Residence in Sahibganj Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Election

Sahibganj: ED Raid on Sunil Yadav’s Residence

Sahibganj, October 24, 2024: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on the residence of Sunil Yadav, an independent candidate contesting from the Rajmahal Assembly seat in Sahibganj district. The raid, which took place early on Thursday morning, involved a three-member team from the ED. The agency’s search was primarily focused on locating Yadav’s brother, Dahu Yadav, who has been on the run for a prolonged period.

During the raid, which lasted for about half an hour, ED officials combed through Sunil Yadav’s house but were unable to find Dahu Yadav. Reports suggest that the ED has been actively pursuing Dahu Yadav, who is a key suspect in a major illegal mining case. The raid coincided with Sunil Yadav’s planned nomination filing as an independent candidate for the Rajmahal Assembly seat later in the day.

Dahu Yadav: Accused of ₹1,000 Crore Illegal Mining

Dahu Yadav, a resident of Shobhanpur Bhatta village in Sahibganj, is accused of being involved in illegal mining operations worth approximately ₹1,000 crore. The Enforcement Directorate has been investigating his activities for a considerable period, and Thursday’s raid was part of a broader effort to apprehend him and gather more evidence in the ongoing case.

The illegal mining scam allegedly involves unauthorized extraction of resources, which were then transported via the Ganga River route to neighboring states like Bihar and West Bengal. Dahu Yadav is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation, with reports indicating that he managed a fleet of vessels used to move illegally mined stones and sand across state borders.

Previous ED Raids Targeting Dahu Yadav

The ED’s recent action is not the first time it has attempted to crack down on Dahu Yadav’s alleged illegal activities. On July 8, 2022, the agency conducted an extensive raid across multiple locations, targeting properties linked to Dahu Yadav and his associates. The raid covered 18 locations, including Sahibganj, Rajmahal, Barharwa, Mirzachowki and Barhet, and resulted in significant findings.

During the July 2022 operation, ED officials seized ₹5.37 crore in cash and discovered deposits of ₹11.88 crore in bank accounts linked to the illegal mining operation. Additionally, the agency confiscated a cargo ship valued at ₹30 crore, which was reportedly used by Dahu Yadav to transport the illegally extracted resources. This ship played a crucial role in the operation, facilitating the covert movement of goods across state lines without detection.

Sunil Yadav’s Candidacy and ED Scrutiny

The ED’s raid on Sunil Yadav’s residence has garnered widespread attention, especially as it comes just hours before he was scheduled to file his nomination as an independent candidate for the upcoming elections. Sunil Yadav, who serves as the Vice President of the District Council, has distanced himself from the allegations against his brother, maintaining that the raid would not deter his political ambitions.

However, the timing of the raid raises questions about the potential impact on Sunil Yadav’s campaign. While no direct links have been established between Sunil Yadav’s political activities and the illegal mining case, the scrutiny on his family could pose challenges during the election period.

Ongoing ED Investigation and Future Actions

The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the illegal mining case remains active, with officials continuing their efforts to trace and apprehend Dahu Yadav. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that further raids could be conducted in the coming days as the agency seeks to uncover more details and bring those involved to justice. The case has drawn attention due to its scale, with authorities estimating the scam to be worth over ₹1,000 crore, making it one of the largest illegal mining cases in the region.

The ED has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigating the matter and holding all culprits accountable. It is yet to be seen how the developments around this case will unfold, especially with the added political dimension brought about by Sunil Yadav’s candidacy for the Rajmahal Assembly seat.

Election Context: Rajmahal Assembly Seat in Focus

The Rajmahal Assembly seat has been a focal point in recent weeks, as candidates gear up for the elections. Sunil Yadav’s decision to run as an independent candidate has already stirred local political dynamics and the ED’s latest actions have only heightened the intrigue surrounding the upcoming polls. It remains to be seen how voters will respond to the recent events, especially with the prominence of the illegal mining case and the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Dahu Yadav.

The ED’s raid on Sunil Yadav’s residence, coinciding with his nomination filing, underscores the seriousness of the case and the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities in the region.