The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Subhash Yadav, a close aide of Lalu Yadav, in Patna, Bihar, as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to illegal sand mining in the state. The arrest followed searches at several locations associated with Yadav, during which approximately ₹2.3 crore in cash was seized. Yadav, considered a key member of the sand mining racket, is expected to appear before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on March 11. He has previously contested elections on an RJD ticket.
The money laundering case is based on multiple FIRs filed by Bihar Police against Broadsons Commodities Pvt. Ltd. (BCPL) and its directors, accusing them of engaging in illegal sand mining and sales without using e-challans. Last year, the ED had arrested Bihar MLC and JD(U) leader Radha Charan Sah, along with others associated with BCPL, who are currently in judicial custody. The ED alleges that the proceeds of the sand trade, amounting to ₹161 crore, are proceeds of crime controlled by a syndicate.
In another development, the ED conducted a raid at the residence of a car showroom proprietor in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Over 15 officials raided the residence of Anish Pressenna S. in Krishnasamy Nagar, seizing documents related to financial transactions. The raid was conducted with security provided by the Central Industrial Security Force.