Poll-Bound Jharkhand Faces Allegations of Illegal Infiltration

The Enforcement Directorate raided locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal, investigating illegal Bangladeshi infiltration. The agency filed a money laundering case stemming from alleged infiltration and trafficking. Political leaders, including PM Modi, accused the Jharkhand government of aiding infiltration for electoral benefits, impacting tribal regions' demographic landscape.

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has launched raids in multiple locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal. This move comes as part of a money laundering investigation tied to suspected illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The federal agency targeted 17 sites in the two neighboring states. A case was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last month to explore infiltration and trafficking allegations. This includes the generation of slush funds, with investigations stemming from a FIR by Jharkhand Police, rooted in an incident of trafficking of Bangladeshi women.

Political leaders including Prime Minister Modi have publicly accused the Jharkhand government of fostering such illegal activities for electoral advantage, thus altering the tribal region's demographics. The ongoing developments coincide with the upcoming Assembly polls, where infiltration has become a central issue among campaign rhetoric.

(With inputs from agencies.)