A Day Before Voting Begins, ED Raids 17 Sites In Jharkhand And West Bengal Over Bangladeshi Infiltration And Trafficking

On Tuesday (12 November), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across multiple locations in Jharkhand, which is gearing up for assembly elections, as well as in neighboring West Bengal.

The operation is part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation into the suspected illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals. The ED's Jharkhand office targeted a total of 17 sites across both states.

The first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections is set for Wednesday, followed by a second round on November 20. West Bengal will also hold by-elections for six assembly seats on the same day.

In September, the agency initiated a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe allegations of infiltration and trafficking involving Bangladeshi women in Jharkhand.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a woman who reportedly entered India illegally to seek work. During a recent raid, around five to six women, allegedly involved, were detained at a local resort.

This case follows remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders accusing the state government of enabling such infiltration, which they argue is shifting the demographics of tribal regions like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan.

Recently, a High Court ruling called for an independent panel to examine the influx of Bangladeshi nationals, a move criticized by Modi in light of the state government’s response.

The Enforcement Directorate’s ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) is based on a June FIR filed by Jharkhand Police at the Bariyatu police station in Ranchi.