New Delhi [India], March 27 (HBTV): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out search operations at six to seven locations in Bihar’s capital, Patna, in connection with a case involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans.

According to officials, the raids targeted government officers and engineers accused of involvement in bribery. During the searches, the ED reportedly found and seized incriminating evidence.

Earlier, the ED’s Patna Zonal Office conducted search operations at 13 locations in Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Nagpur on December 3, 2024, in connection with the money laundering case against Sanjeev Hans and others. During these searches, various incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered.

In November last year, the ED seized shares worth INR 60 crore in newly opened demat accounts of the family members of one of the close associates of Sanjeev Hans, as well as balances in 70 bank accounts suspected of being used to layer and launder illicit funds.

The ED investigation has revealed that 'Sanjeev Hans generated proceeds of crime by allegedly indulging in corrupt practices while holding various prime postings in the Bihar government and also during his central deputations.'

The agency also stated that 'Gulab Yadav and other associates have assisted Sanjeev Hans in laundering the ill-gotten money generated from corrupt practices.'

Additionally, the investigation uncovered the involvement of several private individuals who allegedly helped Sanjeev Hans in generating and laundering illicit funds.

'During an earlier search, shares worth INR 60 crore were found in some demat accounts belonging to the family members of one of the close associates of Sanjeev Hans. Further, details of 70 bank accounts were found at his premises, which appeared to have been used for layering and laundering proceeds of crime and concealing unexplained cash. He invested approximately INR 18 crore in real estate, and evidence regarding the concealment of large sums in such deals has also been gathered,' the ED stated.

'During the search operation, shares worth INR 60 crore in demat accounts and balances in 70 bank accounts were earlier frozen by the ED. Various pieces of incriminating evidence, both physical and digital, related to corruption were also recovered and seized.'

Previously, searches were conducted at various locations in Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Haryana, and Punjab. From Sanjeev Hans’ premises, gold jewellery and luxury watches worth INR 80 lakh and INR 70 lakh, respectively, were found and seized. Additionally, from the premises of his associates, the ED recovered unexplained cash amounting to INR 87 lakh, 13 kg of silver bullion worth INR 11 lakh, and 1.5 kg of gold bullion and jewellery worth INR 1.25 crore. (ANI)