Patna: In a big move to control crime and punish those who earn money illegally, the Bihar government has decided to confiscate the property of 52 well-known criminals. The state’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has sent detailed reports to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) so that action can be taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The property involved is worth more than Rs 56 crore.
These proposals include criminals from many backgrounds – liquor smugglers, sand mafias, land mafias, cyber criminals, fraudsters, and even Naxalites. The highest number of cases, 18, are against illegal liquor traders. Their property alone is worth Rs 18.49 crore. Another 20 proposals are against sand mafias and other dangerous criminals like murderers and extortionists. Their total property is valued at Rs 23.85 crore.
The list also includes people involved in counterfeit currency, drug smuggling, and cheating. In some cases, small amounts like Rs 30 lakh or Rs 2 crore are involved, while in others, the value is much higher. One of the most notable names is MLA Arun Yadav, who faces several serious charges, including murder and rape. Other names include liquor kingpin Dhirendra Singh, sand mafia Nilesh Yadav, and Naxalite leaders from different districts.
According to ADG Nayyar Hasnain Khan of the EOU, the process of seizing these illegal properties has already begun. The ED has also started investigating many of these cases. This action is part of the state’s larger plan to break the backbone of crime by attacking the money and property that support these networks.
