Bhubaneswar: After a crackdown on the properties amassed by some Naxals in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now initiated a probe into the rebel leaders in Odisha - their source of funding, the properties they have amassed and where are their children studying.
The Home Ministry has also set up a multi-disciplinary group comprising of ED, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), State Intelligence Bureau and Crime Investigation Department (CID) to choke Naxal funding in States including Odisha.
"Two meetings in connection with Maoist funding have been conducted in Delhi that were attended by authorities of ED, NIA, other financial institutions and officers of Maoist affected States. Discussions were held on the sources of Maoist funding and what cases have been registered till date. Further information will be revealed after a probe by the ED," said DGP RP Sharma.
As per reports, the Maoist leaders extort the money from contractors, mine owners, transporters and small or medium entrepreneurs in name of their organisation. This money is often diverted into their own accounts which they use to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
Secretary of CPI (Maoist) Malkangiri Division Committee Uday, Chief of the Srikakulam-Koraput division committee of CPI (Maoist) Aruna, Maoist leader of Kalimela Dalam of the CPI (Maoist) Arjun Hantal and Secretary of Kudumulu Gumma committee of CPI (Maoist) Sudhir are few names who are under the scanner of ED.
"The leaders of Polit Bureau and Central Committee of the CPI (Maoist) have hoarded large amount of wealth and enjoying luxurious life. On the other hand they preach people about Communism. If a list is prepared about the source of the money and where is it being invested it will be a severe jolt to Naxal movement," said Former DGP SN Tiwari.
The proof of Naxal leaders hoarding large amount of money came to light in 2017 after member of Bihar-Jharkhand special area committee of the CPI (Maoists) Pradyuman Sharma paid Rs 22 lakh to a private college for admission of his niece. Similarly, another member of the CPI (Maoists), Sandeep Yadav, gave Rs 15 lakh for exchange during the demonetisation. Further, another senior leader, Arvind Yadav, paid Rs 12 lakh towards fees for his brother to study in a private engineering college.
After receiving the proofs, the Enforcement Directorate registered cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against the leaders and have attached their properties worth Rs 1.5 crore.