ED Raids Rattles Maharashtra: Forty Locations Targeted in Major Crackdown on Illegal Catechu Trade
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 40 locations across India, targeting an illegal catechu (Khair) trade network suspected of money laundering and terror funding. Raids in Maharashtra focused on factories linked to entrepreneur Sachin Pakhale, who has political ties, sparking major political repercussions.
In a sweeping multi-agency operation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided forty locations across India. The Thursday raids targeted an alleged illegal catechu trade and money laundering network. The operation has sent political shockwaves through Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids alongside the Income Tax Department and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). This major crackdown unfolded early Thursday morning across several states. Officials are investigating the illegal felling and smuggling of Khair trees.
Authorities suspect the illicit funds were being diverted to finance terrorist activities. The operation’s scale highlights the seriousness of the alleged financial crimes. Searches took place in Pune, Malegaon, Bhivandi’s Borivali village, and other areas.
Further raids extended to Delhi, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The central focus remains on Maharashtra, particularly Ratnagiri’s catechu processing factories. These factories are allegedly linked to prominent local entrepreneur Sachin Pakhale.
The Core Allegation: Terror Funding via Timber Smuggling
The investigation stems from a terror funding case linked to the Islamic State (ISIS). National investigative agencies had already registered a case concerning this matter. Suspect Saquib Nachan’s activities are a key part of the ongoing probe.
Investigators uncovered money laundering within this terror funding network. This discovery prompted the ED to file an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The agency then moved swiftly to conduct the widespread searches.
A critical lead involved a transaction between fraudster Sachin Pakhale and a friend of Saquib Nachan. The associate supplied Pakhale with a truckload of illegally sourced Khair wood. Pakhale reportedly paid for this consignment via a cheque.
The Maharashtra ATS had previously questioned Pakhale about this specific transaction. The ED’s subsequent raid on his properties signals an escalation. The agency is examining financial records for evidence of larger money laundering.
Raids Focus on Key Entrepreneur with Political Ties
On Thursday morning, ED officials arrived at Sachin Pakhale’s catechu factories in Sawarde, Chiplun. A large team began a thorough examination of factory documents and financial records. Significant activity was reported throughout the premises as the search progressed.
The raids on Pakhale’s Kat (catechu) production units in Khed and Chiplun talukas caused a major stir. His prominence as a Ratnagiri district entrepreneur amplified the operation’s impact. The political sphere was also jolted by the developments.
Sachin Pakhale is known to be closely associated with powerful political figures. These include State Industry Minister Uday Samant, who is also the Guardian Minister for Ratnagiri. Local MLAs Kieran Samant and Shekhar Nikam are also among his contacts.
This political connection has intensified scrutiny and speculation around the raids. The ED’s action has fueled significant political discussion and debate. The exact nature of the financial irregularities is still under official investigation.
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Operation Secrecy and Family Interrogation
Authorities maintained a high level of secrecy while planning the coordinated raids. This ensured the element of surprise across all forty targeted locations. The secrecy has led to widespread speculation about the probe’s full scope.
During the raid at the Pakhale residence, only his mother and wife were present. Sachin Pakhale was attending a session in Nagpur at the time. ED officials reportedly questioned the women loudly, causing them considerable distress.
The ED team later left a notice for the family before departing for Mumbai. They left the Sawarde location around 3 PM on Thursday. Fraudster Sachin Pakhale returned from Nagpur by 4:30 PM on Friday to find his premises searched.
He has now been summoned by the ED to appear at their Mumbai office for questioning. This formal summons indicates the investigation is moving to the interrogation phase. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team is closely monitoring these developments.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This large-scale operation underscores the government’s focus on dismantling terror financing networks. It highlights the alleged use of natural resource smuggling to generate illicit funds. The involvement of multiple agencies shows a coordinated national security effort.
The political links of the accused add a complex layer to the investigation. It raises questions about the intersection of business, politics, and alleged crime. The outcome will be watched closely by policymakers and industry experts alike.
The ED will analyze seized documents to trace the money trail from Khair smuggling. Establishing a direct link to terror funding is the investigation’s ultimate goal. Charges will likely follow based on the evidence collected during these raids.
This case serves as a stern warning against illegal forest resource exploitation. It also demonstrates heightened vigilance on financial This case serves as a stern warning against illegal forest resource exploitation. It also demonstrates heightened vigilance on financial transactions that could threaten national security. The Sprouts News team will continue to provide updates on this major investigation.
