The Enforcement Directorate’s Hyderabad Zonal Office carried out a search operation at eight locations in Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Coimbatore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The searches targeted the official premises of GCKC Projects and Works Private Limited, Prathima Infrastructure Limited, and Turnkey Enterprises Private Limited, as well as residential properties of individuals in Hyderabad and Jaipur. Additionally, a farmhouse belonging to one individual was also searched on May 26.
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Central Investigation Unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada. The FIR was against the former Director of Mines and Geology Department, along with Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited, Prathima Infrastructure Ltd., and GCKC Projects and Works Pvt. Ltd. The violations reported included illegal sand mining activities and irregularities in tender processes.
According to the Enforcement Directorate’s findings, District Level Sand Committees identified illegal excavations by certain companies, including sand extraction beyond permitted limits and from unauthorized areas. Subsequently, the Mines and Geology Department issued show cause and demand notices to these companies, amounting to a total of Rs 2,407.70 crore.
During the searches, authorities seized Indian currency, foreign currency, silver bullion, digital devices, and incriminating documents related to movable and immovable properties owned by the accused and their families. The Enforcement Directorate stated that the investigation is ongoing to uncover further details.
