Jammu: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations across the country in connection with an alleged fraud in toll collection at National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plazas, with premises linked to businessman Rakesh Choudhary searched in Jammu.
In Jammu, an ED team accompanied by central security personnel reached Choudhary’s Green Belt residence in Gandhi Nagar at around 8:30 am and began searches which remained in progress till midnight. The premises were reportedly sealed during the operation, with movement in and out restricted.
The agency also searched Choudhary’s office at Trikuta Nagar, where officials examined documents, records and other material relevant to the investigation.
The ED action is reportedly linked to an investigation into alleged irregularities in toll collection at various NHAI toll plazas. The probe is focused on the suspected use of unauthorised software to generate fake or unauthorised toll receipts, allegedly resulting in diversion of toll revenue.
The agency is examining the alleged flow of funds generated through the system and whether any amount was kept outside the official NHAI accounting mechanism.
The searches are being conducted by the ED’s Lucknow Zonal Office under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Besides Jammu, searches have reportedly been carried out at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Kolkata.
During the searches, ED officials are examining documents, digital devices, financial records and other electronic material to trace the alleged money trail and establish the roles of individuals and entities connected with the suspected fraud.
The agency has not yet officially disclosed details of any seizures, arrests or the total financial value allegedly involved in the case.
Further action is expected after the ED completes its searches and analyses the documents and digital evidence collected during the operation.
