The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids early this morning in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur and Gariaband districts, targeting two businessmen as part of its ongoing investigations. The ED team carried out searches at multiple locations, including their residences, seizing crucial documents for further scrutiny.
Raids on Rafiq Memon in Raipur
Based on the reports from Nai Dunia, one of the raids was conducted at the residence of Islamist Rafiq Memon, a prominent rice trader, in the Maudhapara area of Raipur. The action is reportedly linked to the DMF (District Mineral Foundation) scam. Authorities suspect his involvement in financial irregularities associated with the scam.
Action against Iqbal Memon in Gariaband
Simultaneously, another raid was conducted at the residence of Islamist Iqbal Memon in Mainpur, Gariaband. The operation began around 6 a.m., with more than ten ED vehicles arriving at the location. Iqbal Memon is accused of laundering illicit funds linked to a liquor syndicate. He is also reportedly a relative of Anwar Dhebar, a controversial businessman from Raipur. The ED is actively investigating potential financial links between Memon and Dhebar.
According to reports, Iqbal Memon has purchased properties worth over ₹2 crore in the last two years. Local residents from Jadapadar had submitted a written complaint to the ED, alleging that Memon invested black money generated from the liquor syndicate into real estate. Following the complaint from Jadapadar villagers, the ED initiated the raids. Sources indicate that several significant documents have been recovered during the operation, which could provide insight into the alleged financial misconduct.
Focus on liquor syndicates and illicit investments
The investigation aims to uncover the extent of illegal investments made using funds from the liquor syndicate. The ED is also examining whether there are any direct financial transactions between Islamist Iqbal Memon and Anwar Dhebar.
The ED teams remain on-site, continuing their examination of the seized materials. A week ago, the ED conducted raids at three locations in Bengal in connection with an online forgery scam. The agency has been successfully tracing such illegal activities, ensuring that those involved in these scams are brought to justice. It is imperative to address and dismantle such fraudulent networks, including those linked to Islamic scams, to hold the perpetrators accountable and put them behind bars.
