Kolkata, : India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) carried out a joint operation across multiple locations in West Bengal and other states as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the alleged illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals and suspected terror financing.
During a search conducted on Thursday at an office associated with a madrasa in the Kalikapur area of Haroa, North 24 Parganas district, investigators recovered approximately ₹4 million (₹40 lakh) in cash and around 180 grams of gold, including several gold coins. The seized assets have been taken into custody for forensic and financial examination.
According to officials, the operation stems from a 2023 case registered by the Uttar Pradesh ATS, in which investigators alleged that an organized syndicate had been collecting large sums of money to finance illegal activities and suspected militant operations. During the course of that investigation, authorities identified links leading to the Haroa location in West Bengal.
The Enforcement Directorate has since registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has launched a detailed investigation into the origin of the seized cash and gold, the identities of those involved, and the intended use of the funds.
Officials are examining bank accounts, financial transactions, gold trading records, and other financial documents to determine whether the recovered assets were connected to terror financing, money laundering, or other unlawful activities. Investigators have also seized digital records, electronic devices, and additional documents believed to be relevant to the case.
Authorities are further probing possible interstate financial networks and whether any of the funds originated from foreign sources. Investigators are working to trace the complete financial trail and determine how the money was ultimately intended to be used.
Several individuals have already been questioned as part of the investigation, while additional persons may be summoned for interrogation as authorities gather further evidence.
As of now, no arrests have been announced in connection with the case. Officials have stated that further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
The latest operation follows previous raids conducted by central investigative agencies in Kolkata, where searches at multiple locations reportedly led to the recovery of important documents linked to similar allegations. In the current operation, however, investigators have recovered not only documents but also a substantial amount of cash and gold, making the case a significant development in the ongoing probe.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still underway, and the allegations remain under examination until the inquiry is completed and any charges are established through the legal process.
