National Desk
31 January 2024
Sandeep Dhand ( Ludhiana)
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) subjected Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav to an exhaustive eight-hour interrogation today. The investigation pertains to a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam, with officials revealing crucial details about the proceedings.
Tejashwi Yadav, accompanied by legal representatives, arrived at the ED office in around 11:35 AM and concluded the grilling session at approximately 8 PM. This follows the interrogation of his father and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, who faced over nine hours of questioning by ED officials just a day prior. The central agency had issued fresh summons on January 19, leading to the arrival of an ED team from New Delhi in Patna.
The RJD, in response to the ongoing investigations, accused the BJP-led central government of wielding central agencies as political weapons. RJD MP Manoj Jha asserted, “BJP uses ED, CBI, and IT department against people it fears,” insinuating a strategic misuse of investigative bodies to target opposition leaders. Jha further alleged that the ruling government in Delhi is resorting to such tactics out of fear, attempting to stifle the voices of opposition parties.
The central government, however, dismissed the accusations, emphasizing the impartiality of the investigative process. Officials maintained that the summoning of Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav was part of a routine inquiry, devoid of any political motives. The ED’s focus on high-profile figures underscores its commitment to tackling corruption and financial irregularities.
RJD leader Manoj Jha reiterated the party’s stance, claiming that the central government is exploiting investigative agencies to suppress opposition voices. He argued that this alleged misuse of central agencies is indicative of the government’s apprehension towards a robust opposition. The RJD has consistently framed the ED’s actions as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the party.
As Tejashwi Yadav’s interrogation adds a new chapter to the unfolding investigation, the political landscape remains charged with accusations and counter-accusations. The ED’s pursuit of answers in the money laundering case involving RJD leaders continues to raise questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement, sparking debates on the ethical use of investigative agencies in a democratic setup.