Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted major raids at the properties of former Member of the State Council (MSC) Hulas Pandey on Friday in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The raids were carried out at two locations in Patna and one in Bengaluru simultaneously.
In Patna, the ED team reached flat number 407 of Block-A in Expression Exotica on Gola Road, Danapur, around 6:30 am. Arriving in two vehicles, the team conducted a search, recovering large amounts of cash and land documents. They also interrogated those present at the location in a closed room.
Hulas Pandey is the brother of former Janata Dal United MLA Sunil Pandey, who is considered a strongman in Bihar politics. Sunil Pandey’s son, Prashant Pandey, recently became a BJP MLA from Tarari in a by-election, with significant campaign support from Hulas Pandey. Hulas is also known for being a close aide of Chirag Paswan, the chairman of the parliamentary board of LJP (R) and Union minister.
Hulas Pandey’s controversial past includes his involvement in the Brahmeshwar Mukhiya murder case. Although a chargesheet was filed against him, the special MP-MLA court of Ara rejected the CBI’s chargesheet, providing him relief. Following this, Hulas resigned from his position as the parliamentary board chairman of LJP (R) on December 18 last year.
Born on December 31, 1976, in Nawadih village of Rohtas district, Hulas Pandey entered the world of crime following his father’s murder. Over two dozen cases, including charges of illegal possession of weapons, attempt to murder, and murder, are registered against him. Despite being an absconding accused, he managed to win an election from Ara Buxar local authority and became a Legislative Councilor, later joining JDU.
In the 2015 elections, Hulas faced defeat to Radhacharan Seth and subsequently joined LJP. His connections with powerful political figures and his criminal background have made him a significant figure in Bihar’s political landscape.
