The Tirupati laddu ghee case has widened significantly as the Enforcement Directorate carried out coordinated searches at 15 locations across seven states. The action marks a deeper phase of investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the supply chain of ghee used in offerings at Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Officials said the raids uncovered cash, property documents, and evidence of large-scale financial transactions suspected to be part of a structured laundering network. The case now spans multiple business hubs across India.

Multi-state coordination

The enforcement action covered key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun, Guntur, Dindigul, Roorkee, and Ahilyanagar.

According to officials, the Tirupati laddu ghee case probe is no longer confined to regional supply concerns but is now tracking financial flows across multiple states and sectors. Teams examined banking records, business ledgers, and digital transaction trails during the searches.

Bikaner search operation

A significant development emerged from Bikaner, where ED officials searched the residence and office of ghee trader Ashish Agarwal in Koyla Gali. The team examined financial documents and business records for several hours.

Sources indicated that investigators are verifying whether funds linked to the Tirupati laddu ghee case were routed through trading firms to mask their origin. However, no formal seizure details specific to the Bikaner premises have been officially disclosed.

Cash and assets seized

During the raids, investigators recovered around ₹60 lakh in cash from various locations. Preliminary findings suggest that investments and assets worth over ₹45 crore may be linked to suspected proceeds of crime.

The Tirupati laddu ghee case has now entered a crucial phase where asset tracing and financial mapping are central to the probe. Authorities are examining bank accounts, investment portfolios, and property holdings connected to individuals under scrutiny.

Property records examined

Officials also seized documents related to multiple immovable properties registered in the names of accused persons and their family members. These records are being analysed to determine ownership structures and possible benami arrangements.

Investigators suspect that layered financial transactions were used to integrate unaccounted money into legitimate business channels linked to the Tirupati laddu ghee case.

Alleged laundering network

Preliminary assessment points to the use of fake purchase and sales invoices to generate and circulate unaccounted income. The ED suspects that multiple entities across states were involved in creating a structured financial web.

The Tirupati laddu ghee case is now being examined as part of a broader money laundering framework, where legitimate supply chains may have allegedly been misused for financial layering.

Temple supply scrutiny

The controversy initially began with concerns over the quality of ghee used in offerings at Tirupati Balaji Temple. However, it has now evolved into a wider financial investigation involving multiple agencies.

Officials are also reviewing procurement contracts and vendor records to establish whether irregularities existed in the supply chain and financial routing.

ED Raids in Bilaspur and Durg Over Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

Enforcement Directorate seizes 17 kg gold, diamond jewellery and cash from premises linked to absconding accused in major liquor policy case

In a major overnight operation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive searches at multiple locations in Bilaspur and Durg in connection with the ongoing probe into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Teams spent nearly 22 hours at the residence and business establishments of Vivek Agrawal, brother of absconding accused Vikas Agrawal alias Subbu, recovering significant quantities of gold, diamond jewellery and cash, according to initial reports from the ground.

The action, which began in the early hours of Thursday, targeted properties linked to individuals allegedly connected with the multi-crore liquor syndicate. While the ED is yet to issue an official statement on the exact recoveries, sources familiar with the development indicated that valuables worth several crores were taken into possession from Vivek Agrawal’s premises in Bilaspur.

Intense scrutiny at Magneto Mall residence

ED officials reached Vivek Agrawal’s house located at Magneto Mall in Bilaspur early Thursday morning. Security was tightened immediately, with CRPF personnel deployed and all entry points sealed. Teams conducted a thorough examination of documents, electronic devices and other materials inside the property, with the operation continuing late into the night.

A parallel team simultaneously visited his jewellery shop, Shriram Jewellers in Sadar Bazaar. Officers examined stock registers, purchase-sale records and investment-related papers at the outlet. The prolonged presence of ED vehicles and personnel drew attention in the area, though locals remained largely unaware of the full scope initially.

Link to absconding accused Vikas Agrawal alias Subbu

The raids are primarily focused on tracing the financial trail of Vikas Agrawal, also known as Subbu, who is considered a close associate of jailed businessman Anwar Dhebar. Anwar Dhebar is one of the key figures named in the liquor scam probe. Vikas Agrawal has been absconding for nearly four years and has been declared a proclaimed offender by the court.

Investigators believe Vikas and his brother Vivek were involved in facilitating the collection of alleged commissions from liquor vends. Sources said the agency is examining whether unaccounted assets and investments in the jewellery business were used to park or launder proceeds linked to the scam. ED teams are now scrutinising benami properties and recent high-value transactions in the brothers’ names.

Action in Durg targets BJP leader and builder

Simultaneously, ED teams carried out searches at the residence and office of Chaturbhuj Rathi, a prominent businessman and active BJP leader in Durg. Rathi is associated with several firms, including Amar Infra (Amar Buildcon), Amar Mahabir Coal Mines, Amar Private Limited and Tar Carpet Private Limited. These companies are reportedly involved in road and bridge construction, shopping mall projects and coal mining.

Officials examined financial records and investment documents of nearly half a dozen firms linked to him. Rathi had been in the news earlier when the Income Tax department conducted searches during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Speculation about his possible contest in the 2023 assembly polls had also surfaced earlier.

In Bhilai, teams also visited the residence and factory of Govind Mandal in E-Block, Vitthal Puram. Mandal later claimed that the team had reached his premises by mistake and was actually looking for another location. The searches lasted several hours.

Background of Chhattisgarh liquor scam

The ED’s investigation stems from a larger liquor policy scam allegedly committed during the previous Bhupesh Baghel government. The agency had registered a case based on an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The probe points to a syndicate involving certain IAS officers, including former Excise Department Managing Director A.P. Tripathi, and businessmen like Anwar Dhebar.

According to preliminary findings, the racket allegedly operated through multiple routes: collecting commissions from distilleries (initially ₹75 per case, later raised), circulating spurious liquor with fake holograms through government outlets, and suppressing actual sales records in 15 selected districts. Over 40 lakh cases were reportedly sold without proper duty payment, causing losses running into thousands of crores to the state exchequer.

The syndicate allegedly used a network of shop operators, excise officials and transporters to move unaccounted liquor bearing duplicate holograms. MRP was reportedly manipulated, and extra payments were made to distillery owners to offset commission costs through over-billing and tender adjustments.

Public interest and ongoing probe

These fresh raids come amid heightened scrutiny of money laundering angles in various scams reported from the state. The recovery of substantial gold and diamond jewellery has added a new dimension to the financial investigation. Locals in Bilaspur’s commercial areas expressed surprise at the scale of the operation, though many refrained from commenting openly.

ED officials are now focusing on connecting the dots between the absconding accused, his family’s business interests and possible proceeds of crime. Further summons and analysis of seized material are expected in the coming days.

The agency is also examining similar financial links in other locations as the probe widens. Officials indicated that more actions cannot be ruled out if additional evidence surfaces.

As the investigation progresses, questions are being raised about the depth of the network that allegedly operated for years. Authorities have maintained a tight lid on specifics, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

ED Raids Builder, Jeweller Premises in Chhattisgarh Over Bharatmala Links

Enforcement Directorate teams conducted early morning searches at multiple locations in Durg-Bhilai and Bilaspur on Thursday, targeting properties linked to a prominent builder-politician and a leading sarrafa businessman in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in land compensation under the Bharatmala project.

The action, which began in the early hours, focused on financial records, property documents, and investment details at the residences and offices of those under scrutiny. Officials were seen carrying out detailed examination of papers related to several firms.

Searches in Durg-Bhilai

Teams from the Enforcement Directorate zeroed in on the premises of Chaturbhuj Rathi, director of Amar Infra (also referred to as Amar Builders), a known name in the construction sector and a BJP functionary. Raids took place at his residence and office in Durg, where officers spent hours scrutinising records of nearly half a dozen associated companies.

Local sources said the teams were particularly examining land-related transactions and investments. A separate team also visited the factory and residence of Govind Mandal in Bhilai as part of the same operation. The activity continued through the morning, with officials documenting various files.

Action in Bilaspur

In Bilaspur, a larger contingent of over 10 ED officials targeted the home and business establishment of Vivek Agrawal, a prominent jeweller running Shri Ram Jewellers in the Sadar Bazaar area. The searches are understood to be linked to financial trails connected to his brother, Vikas Agrawal, who is wanted in a separate liquor scam case and reportedly close to certain political figures.

Investigators are examining possible syndicate connections and fund movements that may overlap with the larger land compensation probe. The operation in Bilaspur appeared focused on tracing assets and transactions that could have links to the main case.

Background of the Bharatmala Compensation Probe

The current raids form part of the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering investigation stemming from alleged irregularities in compensation payments for land acquired under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, particularly stretches of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam economic corridor.

Earlier probes by the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had flagged manipulation of revenue records, including backdated mutations, partitions, and inflated claims in several villages. Patwaris and Revenue Inspectors allegedly prepared cases that were forwarded to collectors, leading to disbursement of compensation that raised red flags.

In some instances, land was reportedly purchased in the names of relatives of influential people shortly before acquisition notifications, allowing them to claim higher payouts. The EOW has already filed a chargesheet in a related matter involving around Rs 32 crore in alleged embezzlement and arrested several revenue officials, including a former SDM.

Political Names and Official Scrutiny

The scandal has drawn in names from both BJP and Congress circles, with reports of former ministers, MLAs, and senior leaders from various parties figuring in the web of connections. ED officials are tracing links through close associates and family members to establish the extent of involvement.

A dozen former collectors from districts including Raipur, Korba, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, and Durg are also under the scanner. In Korba, irregularities are said to be particularly pronounced, with questions being raised over the role of multiple collectors, including women officers who served there.

Initial findings suggest that in certain pockets, compensation was distributed in a seemingly arbitrary manner, prompting deeper financial scrutiny by the central agency.

Recent Momentum in Investigation

The Thursday operation comes days after ED teams conducted searches at eight locations in Raipur, Abhanpur, Dhamtari, and Kurud, where cash worth Rs 66.9 lakh and 37 kg of silver were reportedly seized. Those raids too were tied to the same Bharatmala land compensation irregularities.

The agency is now widening its net to include builders, businessmen, and property dealers who may have facilitated or benefited from the alleged irregularities. Property dealers and middlemen—nearly two dozen of them—have already come under the lens.

Impact and What Lies Ahead

For residents in the affected districts, the prolonged probe has brought uncertainty over land records and ongoing infrastructure work. The Bharatmala project, meant to improve connectivity, has seen its fair share of controversies regarding acquisition processes across states.

Officials familiar with the matter indicated that Thursday’s searches yielded documents that could further strengthen the money laundering case. The ED is expected to continue questioning those whose premises were searched and may issue summons in the coming days.

Further action could include attachment of properties if proceeds of crime are established. The agency is also separating its probe into the role of senior IAS officers from the state-level EOW findings against lower revenue staff.

As the investigation progresses, more details on the scale of the alleged scam and the involvement of political figures are likely to emerge. The case underscores the challenges in ensuring transparency during large-scale land acquisition for national infrastructure projects.

Raghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP

Big Resignation Announcement

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Friday, April 24, announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Addressing a press conference in Delhi, he confirmed he was joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move comes barely three weeks after AAP removed him as deputy leader of the party’s Rajya Sabha MPs.

Two-Thirds MPs Merging

Chadha claimed that AAP had moved away from its founding principles. “The party now works for personal interests, not national welfare,” he said. He further stated that two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs — seven in total — were merging with him. The names he listed included Sandeep Pathak, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Ashok Mittal, and himself.

Ashok Mittal Quits After ED Raids

Sources indicated that Ashok Mittal, the newly appointed deputy leader of AAP in Rajya Sabha, walked out of the party on the 10th day after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to a funding matter. Mittal, also Vice-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, could not be reached for an immediate comment.

Praise for PM Modi

Chadha praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the central government had taken strong decisions on terrorism and the economy, which earlier leaders hesitated to make. “I feel privileged to work under PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” Chadha added. He assured that he would continue raising public issues with the same energy as before.

Kejriwal Reacts

Delhi’s former chief minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has not yet issued a formal statement. However, party insiders said Kejriwal was assessing the damage. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged an “Operation Lotus” against the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. “Dirty games will not be forgiven by the people of Punjab,” Singh said.

What Led to the Split

On April 2, AAP removed Chadha as deputy leader of the party’s Rajya Sabha MPs. A letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said Chadha should no longer get speaking time under the party quota. The next day, Chadha released a video saying, “I have been silenced, not defeated.” He compared himself to a river turning into a flood when the time comes.

What Next for AAP

With seven MPs reportedly leaving, AAP’s strength in the upper house could shrink drastically. The BJP leadership has not officially confirmed the merger. Political analysts tracking this India News Update say the development could impact AAP’s national expansion plans. The party currently governs Punjab and holds significant presence in Delhi. All eyes are now on the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s office for any formal communication on the change in party affiliations.

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions ahead of West Bengal's upcoming elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to the streets of Kolkata on January 9, 2026, leading a massive protest rally against recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office.

The raids, linked to a 2020 coal scam investigation, have ignited accusations of political vendetta from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) counters with claims of corruption cover-ups.

The protest march, starting from Jadavpur 8B bus stand and heading to Hazra More, saw hundreds of TMC workers, MPs like Sayani Ghosh, and celebrities such as actors Dev and Soham join Banerjee.

Midway, two children handed her flowers, symbolizing public support. Banerjee, often called the "Tigress of Bengal," filed two FIRs against the ED, alleging unlawful actions during raids at I-PAC head Pratik Jain's residence and office.

Court Chaos and Adjournment

The Calcutta High Court adjourned its hearing on the ED's petition to January 14, citing large crowds and chaos in the premises. The petition sought an FIR against Banerjee for allegedly interfering in the raids, including claims she removed files and a hard disk. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee accused Banerjee of "stealing evidence," calling it unprecedented. Meanwhile, ED officials clarified the raids were evidence-based, involving hawala transactions tied to coal smuggling, and not politically timed.

This legal standoff highlights growing friction between state and central agencies, especially as elections loom. Analysts note that I-PAC, founded by Prashant Kishor and now led by Jain, holds critical TMC data like candidate lists and strategies—making the raids a potential threat to the party's campaign.

TMC's Delhi Showdown and Broader Reactions

Parallel protests erupted in Delhi, where eight TMC MPs, including Derek O'Brien, Mahua Moitra, and Kirti Azad, demonstrated outside the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shouting slogans like "Modi-Shah’s dirty tricks won’t work in Bengal," they faced scuffles with police, leading to brief detentions. Moitra decried the ED's actions as "illegal seizure" timed suspiciously before polls, while Banerjee condemned the "shameful treatment" on X, calling it an attack on democracy.

Support came from allies like PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, who praised Banerjee's resilience, and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dubey. Critics, however, included Congress's Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who accused TMC of selective outrage, ignoring attacks on migrant workers. BJP figures like Ravi Shankar Prasad labeled Banerjee's interference "unconstitutional," with MP Saumitra Khan demanding her arrest and President's Rule.

Other reactions poured in: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized her response, while CPI's D Raja questioned the ED's timing. TMC's Abhishek Banerjee vowed Bengal wouldn't bow to "Delhi rulers," and the party targeted Home Minister Amit Shah for "arrogance."

Why This Matters Now: Insights and Takeaways

As West Bengal gears up for elections, these Mamata Banerjee ED raids underscore a broader trend of central agencies targeting opposition states, fueling debates on federalism. Expert perspectives, like those from political analyst Tirthankar Das, suggest this could polarize voters, boosting TMC's anti-BJP narrative if perceived as vendetta.