Illegal Coal Mining Case: ED Arrests Ranchi-Based Businessman Prem Prakash Accused Of Being 'Middleman'

Illegal Coal Mining Case: Ranchi based businessman Prem Prakash’s premises were searched on Wednesday from where two AK-47 rifles were recovered along with 60 live cartridges.

AK-47 rifles recovered from Prem Prakash's residence

Source : ANI

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Ranchi-based businessman Prem Prakash in connection with an illegal coal mining case, reported news agency ANI, and will be produced in court. The enforcement agency will demand for Prakash’s remand as he is required to be questioned to establish his role in illegal mining, reported the news agency. 

Prakash’s premises were searched on Wednesday from where two AK-47 rifles were recovered along with 60 live cartridges.

Prem Prakash has been arrested on charges of illegal mining, money laundering and his role in suspected criminal nexus between the Jharkhand administration, businessmen and politicians case, an ED official told the news agency. 

The AK-47 rifle guns were recovered from inside an almirah of the house which belongs to Prem Prakash who is believed to have strong political connections. 

Ranchi police claimed that the weapons were allotted to two security personnel who kept them at Prem's residence and went to their respective homes. Both the police personnel have been suspended for their negligence.

There had been searches conducted at Prakash’s residence and other locations in the past as well. The fresh raids came after Pankaj Mishra, MLA representative of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was questioned. Mishra was arrested by the enforcement agency on July 19 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.  

The raids were conducted at several places in Ranchi, including Prakash's flat in Vasundhara Apartment, his residence 'Shailodaya' near the Harmu Chowk, and his office in Harmu. Raids were also conducted on the premises of Prakash's relatives in Bihar, Chennai, and NCR. 

On Wednesday, the agency conducted raids at multiple places in connection with illegal mining, money laundering and suspected criminal nexus between the Jharkhand administration, businessmen and politicians.