Lalu Yadav's Aide Arrested In Sand Mining Case After Hours-Long Raids

New Delhi:

Subhash Yadav, a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a close associate of Lalu Prasad Yadav, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with illegal sand mining activities. The arrest follows a 14-hour raid conducted by the ED at eight locations associated with the RJD leader. 

The ED’s actions stem from a probe initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on 20 FIRs registered by the Bihar Police against M/s Broadsons Commodities Pvt Ltd (BCPL) whose director is Subhash Yadav. The FIRs accused BCPL of engaging in illegal sand mining and sale without using e-challans, raising serious concerns about environmental regulations and revenue losses.

The PMLA investigation revealed that a staggering Rs 161 crore had been generated through the illegal sale of sand. The illicit sand trade is reportedly controlled by a syndicate, with members investing funds in companies like BCPL and profiting from the unauthorised sale of sand.

Subhash Yadav is a key player in this syndicate, and the ED’s searches on Saturday at six premises in Patna linked to him and his close associates have unearthed crucial evidence. Cash exceeding Rs 2.3 crore and incriminating documents were seized during the raids, leading to Subhash Yadav’s arrest late on Saturday night.

The ED’s crackdown on Subhash Yadav comes in the wake of similar actions against other alleged members of the sand mining syndicate. Earlier arrests included JD(U) leader and Bihar Legislative Council member Radha Charan Sah and his son.

Apart from his political affiliations with the RJD, Subhash Yadav had contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. In addition to the ED, the Income Tax Department has also carried out raids at Subhash Yadav’s residence.