Maharashtra: ED raids 9 locations in Rs 72 crore alleged scam involving Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawali

Enforcement Directorate logo. File Pic

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple premises in Maharashtra linked to Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawali in connection with an investigation into Rs 72 crore alleged money laundering, officials said.

As per news agency ANI, nine locations in Maharashtra linked to the Lok Sabha member from Yavatmal-Washim are being searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED case is understood to be based on a Maharashtra police FIR on an alleged Rs 18 crore fraud and other irregularities. Officials said the searches are being carried out at locations in Washim, Mumbai and some other places. Notably, this action comes a day after Shiv Sena minister Anil Parab was asked to appear before the anti-money laundering agency for questioning in the case registered against former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh.

Earlier, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said a notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not a "death warrant" but a "love letter" for political workers, a day after Sena leader and Maharashtra minister Anil Parab was asked to appear before the anti-money laundering agency.

"Frequency of such love letters has increased after unsuccessful attempts to breach the wall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which is strong and impregnable," he told reporters. Raut said Parab was been targeted by BJP leaders.

"He will respond to the notice and cooperate with the ED," he added. The ED summoned Parab for questioning on Tuesday (August 31) in the money laundering case registered against former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh and others, officials said on Sunday. "Either a BJP man is a desk officer in the ED or an ED officer is working in the office of the BJP," Raut said.

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