Former MLA Baljeet Yadav Arrested Over Misuse of Development Funds

Arrest of Baljeet Yadav

Jaipur, Feb 4: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained Baljeet Yadav, a former MLA from Behror, in relation to the alleged misappropriation of MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds totaling Rs 3.72 crore.

Yadav was apprehended late Tuesday night near the Shahjahanpur toll plaza along the Delhi–Jaipur highway, following an extensive overnight interrogation by the ED's Jaipur regional unit.

A prominent figure in Rajasthan's political landscape, Yadav is known for his unconventional methods of protest.

Previously, he had positioned himself as a champion against corruption, notably running for hours in Jaipur's Central Park to highlight issues concerning youth welfare and corruption.

He also offered a reward of Rs 51,000 to anyone who could expose corruption within his constituency.

The ED's investigation traces back to the financial year 2021–22, when Rs 3.72 crore was allocated from the MLA fund for acquiring badminton and cricket kits for 32 government schools in the Bahror Assembly area.

Allegations suggest that significant irregularities occurred during the implementation of this scheme.

Officials from the ED assert that fraudulent invoices and forged documents were created to facilitate the purchase of sports kits.

Moreover, it is claimed that while payments were made to contractors, the actual kits were never delivered to the schools involved.

The agency suspects that the funds were misappropriated and laundered through various transactions. This investigation is based on a prior FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED has conducted thorough investigations, reportedly collecting significant documentary and digital evidence indicative of money laundering.

On January 24, 2025, the ED executed simultaneous search operations at ten locations associated with Yadav in Jaipur, Dausa, and Bahror.

During these raids, numerous critical documents and electronic devices were confiscated.

According to sources within the ED, the arrest was made after linking the seized materials with bank transaction records.

Yadav is set to be presented before a special court, where the ED is likely to request his remand for additional questioning.

This arrest has elicited strong reactions in Behror and throughout Rajasthan, particularly given Yadav's reputation as a staunch critic of corruption.