ED raids Kolkata, Siliguri premises in human trafficking, money laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at eight premises across Bidhannagar, Kolkata, and Siliguri, cracking down on an organised racket allegedly involved in human trafficking and prostitution.

The operation targeted suspects who primarily operated through bar-cum-restaurants owned or controlled by them.

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The ED’s case is based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the West Bengal Police against the accused, including Jagjit Singh, Ajmal Siddiqui, and Bishnu Mundra. The police cases, registered under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, constitute scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to the probe, the accused allegedly exploited vulnerable women by luring them with false employment promises and coercing them into prostitution, generating substantial proceeds of crime. The illicit funds, acquired in cash and amounting to several crores, were then allegedly laundered through a network of companies under their control.