Ranchi, India – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized approximately ₹3 crore in cash from the premises of Heera Bhagat, a close associate of Pankaj Mishra, who is the MLA representative of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The seizure was made during a series of raids conducted on Friday as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged illegal stone mining and tender scam. According to ED sources, the cash recovered is suspected to be connected to the mining scam, with counting of the amount still underway.
The ED carried out searches at about 18 locations across Jharkhand, including Sahibganj, Berhait, and Rajmahal, under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action targeted Pankaj Mishra and his associates, who are alleged to be involved in the illegal stone mining business. Mishra is reported to enjoy close proximity to the Chief Minister’s office. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities and money laundering linked to mining operations in the region.
The seizure of a significant amount of cash highlights the scale of the alleged financial misconduct under investigation. The ED’s action comes amid heightened scrutiny of mining activities in Jharkhand, with allegations of illegal operations and regulatory violations. The investigation is likely to continue as authorities examine the financial trail and connections to broader networks involved in the scam.
