Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids in Jharkhand and West Bengal Over Illegal Bangladeshi Infiltration Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at several locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal, focusing on a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals. Three individuals, Rony Mondal, Sandeep Chowdhary, and Pintu Haldar, were arrested in West Bengal. They are suspected to be involved as touts. The ED's Ranchi office recovered fake Aadhaar cards, forged passports, illegal arms, and other incriminating items during these operations.

These raids occurred just before the first phase of polling in Jharkhand. Visuals showed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel stationed outside a hotel on Bariatu Road in Ranchi and a resort in the city. The ED teams were inside searching for documents, ledger entries, and financial records. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) criticised the BJP-led central government, claiming the raids were an attempt to bolster the BJP's narrative on Bangladeshi infiltration.

Political Reactions to Raids

The Congress party, an ally of JMM, echoed similar sentiments. They argued that the raids were not genuinely targeting Bangladeshi infiltrators but were instead a last-ditch effort to secure BJP's political standing in Jharkhand. The ED had initiated this investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in September. This was to probe allegations of infiltration and trafficking of Bangladeshi women into Jharkhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have accused the state government of facilitating such infiltration. They claim it has altered the demographic landscape of tribal areas like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the JMM-led coalition of turning Jharkhand into a refuge for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

The Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the ED is based on a Jharkhand Police FIR from June. This FIR was lodged at Bariatu police station following a complaint by a Bangladeshi woman who allegedly entered India with touts' help seeking employment. The FIR named six women who were arrested after a raid at a local resort. A fake Aadhaar card was also found with one of these women.

The police charged them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including cheating and forgery. Sections from the Passport Act and Foreigners Act were also invoked against them. The complainant alleged they were trafficked into India for prostitution under false promises of jobs in beauty salons.

Government's Stance on Infiltration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to form a committee if BJP wins in Jharkhand. This committee would identify and expel infiltrators while reclaiming land they occupied. Forty-three assembly constituencies will vote in Jharkhand's first election phase, with another 38 seats up for grabs on November 20.

Prime Minister Modi criticised the JMM for supporting infiltrators during his campaign speeches. He claimed illegal immigrants have gained influence over the ruling party in Jharkhand. Modi also accused the state government of ignoring infiltration issues despite court orders to investigate Bangladeshi immigrants' influx.

The Union government informed the Jharkhand High Court about illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the state. In response, JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that if infiltration exists, responsibility lies with Union home and defence ministries.