ED raids 18 places in Tamil Nadu in alleged teacher recruitment exam case

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at 18 locations in Tamil Nadu in an alleged teacher recruitment examination manipulation case.

Multiple teams of the ED conducted the search operation early in the morning, simultaneously covering cities including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Coimbatore, and Madurai. The searches are still continuing.

As per the officials, the action follows a First Information Report (FIR) registered in 2017 by the Central Crime Branch (CCB). According to officials, a chargesheet in the case was filed by the state police in 2021. The ED has initiated its probe under money laundering provisions based on the earlier FIR and subsequent findings.

The searches are part of an effort by the ED to trace the proceeds of crime and uncover the financial trail associated with alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. Officials said further investigation into the matter is currently under way as the case pertains to suspected malpractices, including tampering with selection processes and monetary gains by certain individuals involved.

The ED initiated a money laundering probe in the case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), focusing on identifying the generation and movement of illicit funds.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at 10 locations across Kochi city in Kerala and its nearby areas in connection with an alleged human organ trafficking case, officials said. The premises covered in the operation included several hospitals and associated establishments suspected of being linked to the racket.

The ED’s zonal office in the state conducted the search operation early on Thursday based on inputs against suspects linked to the case. Officials said that the searches were part of an ongoing investigation into possible money laundering linked to illegal organ transplants.

The federal agency probed the role of intermediaries, medical professionals, and facilitators who were allegedly involved in arranging unauthorised procedures for financial gain. (ANI)