Pankaj Mishra, a close associate of Soren, enjoys “political clout” as he is the chief minister’s representative, the ED said, adding that he controls illegal mining ventures and land ferry services in Sahebganj and neighboring areas through his accomplices. .
During the investigation, 47 house searches were conducted in different states of India on different days, resulting in the seizure of cash worth Rs 5.34 billion, the freezing of bank balances of Rs 13.32 billion, the seizure of an inland vessel and 5 stones. crushers, two trucks, the statement said.
In addition, the incriminating documents were recovered, along with two AK 47 assault rifles and 60 bullets.
According to the announcement, the court took note of the indictment or the prosecutor’s complaint on September 20.
“PMLA’s investigation has revealed that the politically influential Pankaj Mishra, as the chief minister’s representative, MLA Barhait, Sahibganj, Jharkhand, is controlling illegal mining ventures and domestic ferry services in Sahibganj and adjoining areas through his accomplices,” the ED alleged.
“He exercises significant control over the mining of stone chips and boulders and the installation and operation of several crushers set up at various mining sites in Sahibganj,” it said.
According to the release, proceeds of crime worth about Rs 42 lakhs ‘obtained’ by the accused Pankaj Mishra have been identified.
The ED had earlier arrested Pankaj Mishra on 19 July 2022, Bachhu Yadav on 4 August and Prem Prakash on 25 August. The arrested accused are currently in judicial custody.
The ED probe was launched after the agency raided Mishra and his alleged associates on July 8, covering 19 locations in Sahibganj, Barhait, Rajmahal, Mirza Chauki and Barharwa in Jharkhand in a case related to alleged cases of illegal mining and extortion, news agency PTI reported. .
based on the FIR registered by the ED has launched a money laundering investigation
Police Station Barharwa in District Sahebganj vs. Pankaj Mishra and others.
Later, several FIRs filed under the IPC, the Explosives Act and the Arms Act related to illegal mining were also included in the scope of scheduled crimes.
The agency said it has “identified” the proceeds of illegal mining-related crimes in the state to the tune of over Rs 1,000 crore so far.
