ED Raids in Visakhapatnam: Land Fraud Involving Gadde Brahmaji and Others
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) from Visakhapatnam conducted search operations on October 19 at five locations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. These raids were part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Background of the Case
The investigation is linked to a fraudulent land deal involving 12.51 acres of land, valued at over Rs 200 crore, originally allocated by the Andhra Pradesh government for housing senior citizens and orphans. The ED’s probe was initiated following an FIR by Arilova Police Station against Gadde Brahmaji, Gannamaneni Venkateswara Rao, and MVV Satyanarayana. They are accused of forging signatures and fabricating documents to illegally acquire the land.
Details of the Investigation
The land in question, located in Yendana village, was allotted in 2008 to Hayagreeva Farms & Developers for building cottages for the elderly and orphans. It was registered in 2010 for Rs 5.63 crore, although its market value was Rs 30.25 crore at the time. The accused allegedly divided and sold the land from 2021, generating over Rs 150 crore in illegal proceeds.
Findings from the Raids
During the raids, the ED seized digital devices and incriminating documents, including Benami Pattadar Passbooks and over 300 sale deeds. These documents revealed cash transactions exceeding Rs 50 crore related to property acquisitions by the accused and their families.
Doubts Revealed
ED -: ED stands for the Directorate of Enforcement. It is a government agency in India that investigates financial crimes like money laundering and fraud.
Raids -: Raids are surprise visits by authorities to search a place for illegal activities or evidence of a crime. In this case, the ED conducted raids to find evidence of land fraud.
Visakhapatnam -: Visakhapatnam is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its beautiful beaches and is an important port city.
Land Fraud -: Land fraud is when someone illegally takes or sells land by using fake documents or other dishonest means. In this case, it involves land meant for senior citizens and orphans.
Gadde Brahmaji -: Gadde Brahmaji is one of the people accused in the land fraud case. He is alleged to have been involved in forging documents to illegally acquire land.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act -: This is a law in India that helps prevent money laundering, which is hiding money made from illegal activities. It allows authorities to investigate and take action against such crimes.
Forged Documents -: Forged documents are fake papers that are made to look real. They are used to trick people or authorities into believing something false, like owning land.
Digital Devices -: Digital devices are electronic gadgets like computers, phones, or tablets. They can store information and are often checked during raids for evidence of crimes.
