Cash worth crores recovered in ED raid

Kolkata. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday recovered over Rs 17 crore in cash so far during raids at six premises belonging to a Kolkata-based businessman. A total of eight machines have been installed for counting cash. On September 10, a search operation was conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the ongoing investigation related to mobile gaming applications. The raids pertain to a case registered against Aamir Khan and others at Park Street police station on the basis of a complaint filed by Federal Bank officials in the court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Calcutta.

The ED has claimed that transport businessman Aamir Khan had launched a mobile gaming application called e-nuggets, which was designed with an aim to defraud the public. Initially, its users were rewarded with commission, as well as the balance in the wallet could be withdrawn without any hassle. This increased the confidence of the users and they started investing large amounts for higher percentage commissions and higher number of buy orders.

The ED said that after collecting a significant amount from the public, suddenly the withdrawal from the said app was stopped. Various excuses were made to stop the evacuation. Sometimes things like system upgradation, LEA investigation were being said. After this all the data including profile information was erased from the said app server. After this the users understood the trick. During the search, the ED found that the said entities were using dummy accounts. No political connection has been revealed in this incident so far, but a tussle has started between Bengal’s ruling party TMC and its opposition BJP.

West Bengal minister and Kolkata mayor, Firhad Hakim said, “What agency is trying to do? Do they want to make this place Ramgarh by becoming Gabbar? Is this the big question? ED is raiding the house of a businessman. They are trying to demotivate the businessmen. If they get anything it is different but it is a ploy to demotivate the businessmen of Kolkata.”