Ed Raids site of AAP MLA Kulwant Singh, Rajasthan Congress Leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas | Mint

The Maintenance Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attacked the premises of the Rajasthan congressman and former Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Punjab Aap Mla Kulwant Singh as part of a Pacl Ponzi of £ 48,000 Crore, official sources said. About 15 premises, including Khachariyawas’ home in Jaipur and Singh’s premises in Punjab’s Mohali, except that others are searched by the Federal Probe Agency. A CRPF safety team was also deployed with the ED teams at both places linked to the politicians. The 55-year-old leader of the congress served as Minister of Transport, Food and Civil Supplies in the Cabinet of Former Main Minister Ashlot. He represented the Civil Lines (Jaipur) in the Rajasthan meeting. Singh, 63, is the promoter of a property firm named Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL). He is alleged to be the richest MLA of Punjab with assets that are reportedly worth £ 1,000 crore. Khachariyawas, cousin of former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, addressed reporters outside his ancestor house here, saying the ED performance is “politically motivated” because he spoke against the government. He argued that he did nothing wrong and that he was “not afraid of the ED. There was no reaction to Singh or his family on the Ed action. The 2015 money laundering investigation stems from a Central Bureau of Inquiry (CBI) FIR against PACL India Limited, PGF Limited, late Pacl promoter Nirmal Singh Bhangoo and others for managing ‘fraudulent’ investment schemes to fool investors. Through these schemes, PACL and its directors have “cheated” investors of around £ 48,000, according to the ED. It is believed that alleged ‘yields of crime’ are derived to different entities, including those linked to Khachariyawas, the sources claimed. When the news of the ED knocking hunts broke, Khachariyawas supporters gathered outside his home and raised slogans. “They brought a notice to search the premises. They did not give notice what it linked to any company. The premises could be searched anywhere in the country, that is their right. I’m not scared or nervous,” Khachariyawas told reporters. “If there is any problem, I will respond. There are six lawyers on my part, ‘he said. The ED performed in this case in this case against Bhangoo’s daughter Barinder Kaur, her husband Harsatinder Pal Singh Hayer and her ‘close employee’ Manoj Kumar. Before these searches it arrested Hayer. Bhangoo passed away in August last year. The agency attached assets worth £ 706, including two £ 462 real estate in Australia, and filed two charge sheets against PACL, Bhangoo and others. Khachariyawas claim that the Ed searched his home to scare him. “The BJP is arrogant. It has been in the center in the center for 11 years and is also in power in Rajasthan. I spoke against them and therefore they did this action, but I will not be afraid,” he said, adding that he will continue to raise his vote against the government. Khachariyawas claim that the ED acts for no reason. “They called our leader Rahul Gandhi. If they give a reason I will respond. So far, the ED has given no reason for the search, ‘he said. He said the BJP government should not do politics through the ED. The former minister also said he has nothing to do with any company. Khachariyawas said he lives in a joint family and such actions disturb the whole family. “I will now build a new home, call it ‘Kranti House’ and start a rebellion from there so my family is not disturbed,” he said. Gehlot, who condemns the attacks, claimed that the action is because Khachariyawas still remain a vowel against the BJP government. Leader of opposition in the Rajasthan meeting Tikaram called Jully the action against Khachariyawas ‘political revenge’. ‘Former Minister and Senior Leader of Congress, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, has flared up his vote against the BJP government. Fear of this, the BJP government sent central agencies to his home, ‘you posted on X. “In 2020, an attempt was also made to harass him in a similar way. This action is said against Pratap. However, Jogaram Patel, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Rajasthan, rejected the allegations of Congress as unfounded. “Ed takes fair action and without any prejudice. The allegations of the congressional leaders are unfounded,” he said. First published: 16 Apr 2025, 12:30 IST