ED to lead inter-agency meet on anti-Naxal operations

The Enforcement Directorate will participate in an inter-agency coordination meeting to be held on February 12 to thrash out a plan of action for choking the flow of funds to left-wing extremists in various states.

The ED Director will chair the event, the NIA chief will be the co-chair. Senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau, Central Reserve Police Force and police chiefs of the Naxal-hit States are also expected to take part in the brainstorming session.

As part of the strategy, the affected states are being requested to share information with the Directorate to launch investigations against the Naxal operatives and seize their assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

It is learnt that the crackdown on Naxal extremists would be on the lines of the recent measures taken by the NIA in Jammu and Kashmir to “contain” stone pelters. The agency has registered terror-funding cases and made several arrests.

Those involved have been accused of raising, receiving and collecting funds through illegal means to foment separatist/terrorist activities and causing disruption by pelting the security forces with stones, burning schools and damaging public property.

In coordination with the Bihar and the Jharkhand Police, the ED has already initiated money laundering probe against Naxal leaders. Earlier this month, the Directorate attached assets worth ₹86 lakh of Sandeeep Yadav, the alleged in-charge of “Madhya Zone” of Bihar-Jharkhand special area committee of the CPI (Maoist).

Over 88 FIRs and charge-sheets have been filed by the Bihar Police against Yadav. His brother has also been arraigned in eight cases. It is alleged that the two had amassed ₹1.5 crore through illegal means, including extortion, and invested the money in immovable properties.

Following the attachment of their assets, it is learnt, the case investigating officer received a threat. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged with the Delhi Police seeking action against the person involved.

In view of the threat, the officials involved in money laundering probe against Naxal leaders may be provided security by the respective state governments.

Courtesy: The Hindu