Nerw Delhi : Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ranchi has conducted search operations on 12/03/ 2024 at 20 locations in Ranchi and Hazaribagh, Jharkhand related to Yogendra Sao, Amba Prasad, MLA and their other family members and associates under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with a case related to criminal activities such as extortion, collection of levy, illegal sand mining, land grabbing, etc. ED initiated investigation on the basis of more than 15 FIRs registered by Jharkhand Police under various sections of IPC, 1860, Arms Act, 1959 against Yogendra Sao, his family members and his associates. It is alleged in the FIRs that Yogendra Sao, Amba Prasad along with

their associates are involved in various kind of criminal activities such as

extortion, collection of levy, illegal sandmining, land grabbing etc., as a result of which they have acquired proceeds of crime. During the course of search operation on 12.03.2024 unexplained cash amount of approx. Rs. 35 lakhs, digital devices, fake stamps of Circle Offices, Banks, etc. and various incriminating documents in the form of hand written receipts/ diaries, etc. have been recovered and seized. Evidences related to illegal sand mining in the state of Jharkhand have also been seized during the search. The proceeds of crime generated from such criminal activities have been identified to be acquired in cash and subsequently utilized for further business activities and for purchase of several immovable properties.