Kolkata, Nov 8: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is examining bank accounts linked to a network of shell companies allegedly used to divert proceeds of crime generated through the multi-crore human trafficking racket operating in West Bengal.

The ED unearthed information about these shell companies following raid and search operations conducted on Friday at six locations across different parts of the state. During scrutiny, officials found that large sums were deposited into these accounts and withdrawn within hours, suggesting layering and diversion of illicit funds.

Sources said that through the ongoing examination of these accounts, the investigating officers are attempting to trace the ultimate beneficiaries of the racket.

Meanwhile, the ED issued a statement on Saturday confirming that during the raids, cash worth over Rs 1.01 crore, several digital devices, and property-related documents were seized.

“Several bank account details under the use and operation of the accused/suspect persons have been identified. Two high-end luxury vehicles, including a Land Rover Defender and a Jaguar, have also been frozen under the provisions of PMLA,” the agency stated.

According to the ED, the organised trafficking network operated primarily through bar-cum-restaurants and dance bars in West Bengal.

The central agency initiated its probe based on multiple FIRs registered by Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police against the key operators of the human trafficking racket under various sections of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The ED subsequently registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigations have revealed that the accused exploited vulnerable women under false promises of employment, coercing them into prostitution, and generating substantial illegal proceeds in the process.

The accused identified so far include Jagjit Singh, Ajmal Siddiqui, Bishnu Mudra, and their associates, who allegedly played crucial roles in the financial and operational aspects of the racket.

Mumbai, Nov 8: The controversial land deal linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth, has given a new handle to the NCP stalwart’s traditional political rivals to target him over his response to allegations. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are constituents of the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Responding to Ajit Pawar’s earlier remark that “when your children grow up, they do their own business,” BJP MP Narayan Rane on Saturday quipped, “Children can grow up, but they should be obedient. What more can I say about it?”.

Once a vocal critic of Ajit Pawar in the past, Rane refrained from making further comments on the issue.

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has said that Ajit Pawar’s “busy schedule” may have delayed his response to the controversy.

“If Ajit Pawar had acted when he first got wind of the Pune land issue, this situation might not have arisen. But considering his busy schedule, sometimes a few decisions happen automatically,” Vikhe Patil told reporters on Friday.

Vikhe Patil, a former Congressman, and the Pawars have been political rivals in western Maharashtra for decades.

The controversy pertains to the alleged illegal sale of 40 acres of government land in Pune’s Mundhwa area, reportedly worth around Rs 1,800 crore, which Opposition leaders claim was purchased by a company linked to Ajit Pawar’s son Parth for only Rs 300 crore with a stamp duty waiver.

While an FIR was registered on Thursday against three persons, including one of the partners in the company and a government official, for causing loss to the exchequer, Ajit Pawar denied any connection to the transaction.

He had heard of the matter a few months ago and made it clear that he would not tolerate any wrongdoing, he said.

Mumbai: Mumbai Police on November 8 has summoned Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and five others to appear before the investigating officer at Azad Maidan Police Station on November 10.

The Maratha activist and five others have been called between 11 am and 1 pm on November 10.

The summons relate to violations during Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike at Azad Maidan, where police allege rules and Bombay High Court guidelines were breached.