ED Raids 15 Locations Linked to Rao Dan Singh

In a significant development in Haryana's political landscape, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a series of raids targeting Rao Dan Singh, a prominent Congress MLA and close confidant of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The raids, which began early Thursday morning, have sent shockwaves through the state's political circles.

ED's Sweeping Action 

The ED teams descended upon 15 locations across five cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Mahendragarh, Bahadurgarh, and Jamshedpur. The raids are focused on properties and establishments linked to Rao Dan Singh, his family members, and associates. Among the key locations targeted were Singh's brother Rao Ramkumar's house in Shankar Colony and a farmhouse on Rewari Road. 

The Case at Hand

According to media reports, the raids are connected to a massive bank fraud case involving Messrs Allied Strips Limited (ASL). The company is accused of defaulting on loans amounting to 1392 crore rupees. The ED's action comes in the wake of a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2022, which prompted the ED to initiate its own investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Political Implications

The timing of these raids has raised eyebrows in political circles. They come just two days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Mahendragarh, where he addressed a Backward Classes convention. During his speech, Shah had issued a stern warning to the Congress, stating that he had come prepared with a detailed account of every penny. 

Rao Dan Singh's Political Profile

A four-time MLA from Mahendragarh, Rao Dan Singh is known for his close ties to former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. His political influence was evident when he was given charge of managing Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra during its Haryana leg. Singh has also served as a Chief Parliamentary Secretary in the previous Hooda government.

Other Controversies

This is not the first time Rao Dan Singh's name has been linked to financial irregularities. His family was previously implicated in the Adarsh Credit Co-operative Society scam, which the ED's Jaipur branch investigated in 2019. Although Singh has claimed that the matter has been resolved, the current raids suggest ongoing scrutiny of his financial dealings.

As the ED continues its investigation, the political ramifications of these raids remain to be seen. The Congress party has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, while the BJP is likely to use this development to bolster its anti-corruption stance. With the state assembly elections on the horizon, this case could potentially reshape Haryana's political landscape.