In the case of the Rs 2000 crore bank loan linked to Varanasi industrialist Dinanath Jhunjhunwala’s JVL Agro, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out extensive raids across multiple states on Friday. These raids spanned 10 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Gujarat, targeting 38 locations consisting of JVL Agro’s offices, mills, and residences of its officers. Notably, a rice mill in Akhorigola, Dehri subdivision of Rohtas, Bihar, was also subject to the raid.
UP: ED conducts raids in Varanasi in connection with a bank loan scam. Businessman Jhunjhunwala's residence and warehouse also raided. 12-member team involved pic.twitter.com/vvYOYMBqsg
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During these raids, the ED officials seized crucial evidence such as receipts, ledgers, computers, mobile phone memory cards, electronic devices, and record books. Additionally, they meticulously examined the discarded papers and other waste materials found within the factory premises. JVL Agro is known for its involvement in the oil and rice business, supplying goods to various states across the country. Dinanath Jhunjhunwala stands accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda to the tune of approximately 900 crores.
The raid commenced at 7 am and involved a team of 800 employees. These personnel simultaneously conducted searches at the identified locations across the 10 states. The raids persisted until 5 pm, encompassing the efforts of not only ED employees but also security agencies and experts. These experts even scrutinized the records of electronic weighing scales during the operation. The entire establishment associated with JVL Agro was transformed into a fortress during the raid, showcasing the extensive measures taken by the ED team. To ensure uninterrupted communication, the team brought along a jammer for the duration of the operation.