ED raids 11 locations connected to ex-SP MLA Deep Narayan

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched 11 locations across Uttar Pradesh as part of a money-laundering investigation involving former Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Deep Narayan Singh Yadav and his associates. According to officials, nine of these places were in Jhansi district, and two were in Lucknow.

The searches, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, focused on homes and businesses linked to the former legislator, his family, and related entities. Deep Narayan Singh Yadav, also called Deepak Yadav or Deepak Dadda, was the MLA for the Garautha assembly seat in Jhansi from 2007 to 2017 on an SP ticket.

The ED investigation began after an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed, based on a First Information Report (FIR) from the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment. The vigilance case claims that Yadav had assets beyond his known sources of income, along with 23 other complaints. Early findings by the ED suggest that money from alleged crimes was moved through a network of companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) involved in real estate, construction, and other businesses.

The ED is reviewing financial transactions, beneficial ownership, and the acquisition of assets suspected to be linked to illegal activities. During the searches, the ED seized documents, digital devices, and records related to properties and financial dealings. These materials will be further examined to trace the flow of the alleged illegal funds. Reports indicate that nearly 60 cases have been registered against him, including charges of cheating, forgery, extortion, attempted murder, and dacoity under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Additional cases have been registered under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act and the Goondas Act. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh Police had attached properties worth approximately Rs 130 crore in Jhansi district under the Gangsters Act.

The ED investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet in connection with Wednesday’s raids. The agency will continue to investigate the financial trail and any possible links to offences under the PMLA to determine the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct. More information may come out as the investigation continues and documents are reviewed. As of late Wednesday evening, the former MLA had not made any public statement about the raids.

Political observers believe these recent actions will strengthen the fight against corruption and send a strong message that no individual is immune to investigation, regardless of their past political position or social status.