ED conducts raids on Haryana Congress MLA and former INLD legislator in illicit mining case

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Sonipat, Jan 4: Premises associated with Haryana Congress MLA Surinder Panwar and former Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislator Dilbag Singh were reportedly raided on Thursday by the Enforcement Directorate, according to sources within the agency.

The searches were carried out in relation to a case involving illicit mining, according to the sources.

Searches were conducted in 20 locations in Haryana, including Chandigarh, Yamuna Nagar, Sonipat, Mohali, Faridabad and Karnal, according to the sources.

FIRs basis for the probe

The money laundering investigation is rooted in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the Haryana Police. These FIRs aim to investigate the purported unlawful extraction of boulders, gravel, and sand in the Yamuna Nagar region and adjacent districts. This activity allegedly occurred beyond the designated lease period and in violation of court orders.

The investigative agency is also examining potential fraudulent activities related to the ‘e-ravan’ scheme. This online portal was introduced by the Haryana government in 2020 with the aim of streamlining the collection of royalties and taxes, as well as preventing tax evasion in mining areas.