Rajasthan Congress Leader Faces ED Raids Amid Allegations of Political Vendetta
ED Conducts Raids on Pratap Singh Khachariyawas
Jaipur: On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of raids targeting Rajasthan Congress leader and former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, as part of an investigation into a massive Rs 48,000-crore Ponzi scheme linked to PACL, according to official sources.
The federal agency is conducting searches at approximately 15 locations, including Khachariyawas's residence in Jaipur and that of another individual, Kulwant Singh. A contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been assigned for security during these operations.
Khachariyawas, who previously held the position of minister for transport, food, and civil supplies under former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has represented the Civil Lines constituency in the Rajasthan Assembly.
Speaking to the media outside his family home, Khachariyawas, who is the nephew of former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, claimed that the ED's actions were driven by political motives due to his vocal opposition to the current government.
He maintained his innocence, stating he had not committed any wrongdoing and expressed that he was 'not intimidated' by the ED's actions.
The ongoing money laundering investigation, which dates back to 2015, originated from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR against PACL India Limited and its associates for allegedly running fraudulent investment schemes that misled investors.
According to the ED, these schemes resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 48,000 crore for investors, with suspected 'proceeds of crime' being funneled to various entities, including those associated with Khachariyawas.
As news of the raids spread, supporters gathered outside Khachariyawas's home, chanting slogans in his favor.
Khachariyawas remarked, 'They have issued a notice to search the premises without linking it to any specific company. They have the right to search anywhere in the country. I am neither afraid nor anxious.'
He added, 'If there are any issues, I will address them. I have six lawyers representing me.'
Previously, the ED had conducted raids in March against individuals connected to the late PACL promoter Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, including his daughter and her associates. Bhangoo passed away in August of the previous year.
The agency has seized assets valued at Rs 706 crore, which includes two properties in Australia worth Rs 462 crore, and has filed two charge sheets against PACL and its affiliates.
Khachariyawas alleged that the ED's search was intended to intimidate him.
'The BJP is arrogant. They have been in power at the Centre for 11 years and also in Rajasthan. I have been critical of them, which is why they are taking this action, but I refuse to be intimidated,' he stated, vowing to continue his opposition to the government.
He criticized the ED for acting without justification, stating, 'They summoned our leader Rahul Gandhi. When they provide a reason, I will respond. So far, they have not explained the rationale for the search.'
Khachariyawas emphasized that the BJP should refrain from using the ED for political purposes.
He also mentioned that he has no connections with any companies involved in the case.
Living in a joint family, he expressed that such actions disrupt the entire household, stating, 'I plan to build a new residence, which I will call 'Kranti House,' to avoid disturbing my family.'
Tikaram Jully, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, condemned the ED's actions against Khachariyawas as 'political revenge.'
'The former minister has been vocal against the BJP government, and in response, they have deployed central agencies to his home,' Jully posted on social media.
'In 2020, there was a similar attempt to harass him. This current action against Khachariyawas is a clear act of political retribution and should be condemned.'