ED conducts raids in Nagrota Bagwan over financial irregularities

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted raids at multiple locations in the Nagrota Bagwan area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh under tight security provided by the Central Reserve Police Force.

A senior official of the ED, while talking to The Tribune, confirmed that ED teams simultaneously raided three premises: one of a pharmacist working at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital; another of a retired Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board; and one other person.

The searches began in the morning and were conducted at the three locations at the same time. During the operation, entry and exit were restricted, while CRPF personnel remained deployed to ensure security and maintain law and order.

Sources indicated that the raids were linked to suspected financial irregularities, including transactions involving cryptocurrency.

ED officials examined documents, electronic devices, and financial records at the raided premises. As of the filing of this report, the official did not comment on any recoveries, seizures, or detentions made during the operation.

He said clarity on the case would emerge only after the completion of the investigation and subsequent scrutiny of the material collected during the searches.

It is pertinent to note that the Enforcement Directorate has, in recent months, intensified its nationwide crackdown on cases related to cryptocurrency and alleged money laundering. In this backdrop, the action taken in Himachal Pradesh was being viewed as significant, particularly in light of growing concerns over unregulated digital currency transactions.

Further details were awaited as the raids were still continuing, the ED sources added.