New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting search operations at eight premises across Bidhannagar, Kolkata, and Siliguri in connection with an alleged organised racket involved in human trafficking and prostitution.
The operation targets suspects who are believed to have primarily operated through bar-cum-restaurants owned or controlled by them.
The ED’s probe is based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the West Bengal Police against accused persons, including Jagjit Singh, Ajmal Siddiqui, and Bishnu Mundra. The police cases, registered under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, constitute scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to preliminary investigations, the accused allegedly exploited vulnerable women by luring them with false employment promises and coercing them into prostitution, generating substantial proceeds of crime.The illicit funds, reportedly amounting to several crores in cash, were allegedly laundered through a network of companies under their control.
