In a first ED probe into entry of Bangladeshis and Rohingya into Jharkhand | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: For the first time, the Enforcement Directorate has initiated an investigation under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against illegal infiltration of Bengalis and Rohingya in Jharkhand, reported.
The enforcement case information report (ECIR) by the enforcement agency under the PMLA is based on an FIR by the Ranchi police (registered at Bariyatu PS on June 6), but the larger conspiracy, including the benefits of infiltration into politics, will be investigated. The decision by the enforcement agency – primarily tasked with administering the anti-money laundering policy and FEMA violations – coincides with alleged infiltration from Bangladesh, which has emerged as one of the key issues in the Jharkhand election campaign.
‘Large syndicate operating in J’khand, WB in illegal infiltration’
Addressing a rally in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand city, where the polls are being held, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday blamed the coalition of JMM, Congress and RJD for the changing demography in Santhal Parganas and Kolhan by allegedly facilitating the infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshis.
The FIR by the Jharkhand police is related to the trafficking of six girls from Bangladesh to Jharkhand. The girls, Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in their 20s, were picked up during a police raid. Later investigation revealed that they had obtained identity papers and Aadhaar cards in Hindu names using fake documents arranged by policemen from Kolkata.
The agency has already collected details from other central agencies regarding the syndicate’s operation of smuggling Bengalis and Rohingya through forests in Jharkhand. A well-organised network operating from Kolkata is forging documents to help the alleged infiltrators pose as Indians from Bengal, sources said.
“A large syndicate is operating in Jharkhand and Bengal in illegal infiltration, making fake identity documents, which are criminal activities linked to proceeds of crime under Section 2(1)(u) of PMLA,” a source said, adding that it was imperative to probe illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and the agents facilitating such activities aimed at acquiring proceeds of crime. The agency will conduct an exhaustive money trail investigation into the entire trafficking network.
CM Hemant Soren’s constituency, Barhait in Sahibganj, is part of the region where the number of alleged Bangladeshis and Rohingyas has increased. Blaming vote bank politics, Modi said, “JMM, Congress and RJD are with the Rohingya and Bengali immigrants. They want to create vote banks in the name of religion. We must stop this immediately. People of Jharkhand must unite.”