ED raids 40 locations across country, including Bengal, to probe ISIS-linked module

In a major nationwide crackdown on a suspected ISIS-linked terror module, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out extensive raids at around 40 locations across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The federal agency targeted key accused individuals, their close associates, family members, and various entities suspected of being involved in facilitating illicit financial transactions to support the extremist group. The raids were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED initiated its case under the PMLA by taking cognisance of a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA's report alleged that the individuals under investigation were part of a "highly radicalised" ISIS-linked module. This module was purportedly engaged in a spectrum of serious terrorist activities, including active recruitment, indoctrination, providing training, procurement of weapons and explosives, and, crucially, raising funds to sustain their destructive operations.

Officials disclosed that the ED's investigation also integrated intelligence inputs received from the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). These inputs highlighted an illegal Khair (Kaith) wood smuggling racket being operated by the suspects. The illicit funds generated from this smuggling operation, categorized as "proceeds of crime" under the PMLA, were allegedly being diverted and used directly to fund the extremist activities of the ISIS module, forming a clear terror financing trail that the ED is determined to dismantle.