Sources indicate that the targeted premises include the residences of senior officials within the Tamil Nadu drug control department. This significant move follows a recent breakthrough in the Madhya Pradesh cough syrup tragedy, where at least 22 children in the Chhindwara district lost their lives after consuming ‘Coldrif’ branded cough syrup. This is the third major action by the ED against pharmaceutical companies in Chennai recently, highlighting a broader crackdown on illicit practices within the industry. Previously, in September, raids were conducted on premises linked to Arvind Remedies Ltd. concerning a ₹637 crore bank loan fraud, and in April 2024, 30 locations were searched in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operation. The investigation into Sreesan Pharma aims to uncover financial irregularities and potential money laundering activities linked to the production and distribution of the contaminated syrup. Authorities are determined to bring those responsible for this public health disaster to justice.

This case extends beyond the seizure of a single individual’s property; it tells the story of a complex and well-planned terror funding network that has been active in the country for years. According to investigative agencies, Raju Khan was a “significant part” of this network. Forensic examination of his bank accounts revealed that he received a total of ₹48.82 lakh. Of this, ₹42.47 lakh was allegedly sent to members of the banned organizations. This was done on the instructions of Khalid, who is based in Pakistan, and Dheeraj Sao, his associate in India. This amount, which was in lakhs, was being channeled to sleeper cells and operators spread across different parts of the country to carry out their terrorist activities.

This case dates back to 2011, when Dheeraj Sao, a resident of Bihar, ran a simple chicken shop in the Khamtarai area of Raipur. His life took a new and dangerous turn when he received a call from Khalid in Pakistan. Khalid instructed him to open a bank account and transfer money to certain people. In exchange for this work, Dheeraj was told to keep 13% of the total amount as commission, while the rest of the money was to be deposited in the accounts of Zubair Hussain, Ayesha Banu, and others across the country.

The investigation revealed that this funding was not done in a single instance but was divided into multiple layers. Dheeraj Sao used several bank accounts to receive money from different sources, often in cash. This money was then passed on to people like Zubair Hussain, Ayesha Banu, and Raju Khan. Raju Khan’s accounts were especially important as they were used to further transfer funds to many recipients, making it a complex and difficult-to-trace network.

The ED’s investigation began with an FIR registered at the Khamtarai police station in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, against Dheeraj Sao and others under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The FIR alleged that some bank accounts were being used to receive money from unknown sources in India and forward it on the instructions of Khalid.

According to investigators, Raju Khan played a vital role in this terror funding network. He was not just a front, but a person who actively helped in delivering money to members of the banned organizations. Analysis of his bank accounts showed that he received a total deposit of ₹48.82 lakh. Of this, ₹42.47 lakh was transferred to the members of the organization.

Most shockingly, Raju Khan kept ₹6.34 lakh as commission, which was approximately 13%. The ED has classified this amount as proceeds of crime. This action shows how small players are also involved in making profits by participating in large terrorist schemes. The property of Raju Khan, which the ED has seized, is related to the same ₹6.34 lakh.

This criminal history of Raju Khan does not end here. Since his arrest on December 5, 2021, he has been in judicial custody. However, on December 21, 2023, he was re-arrested in a separate case in Delhi. In this case, he was involved in the distribution of fraudulent SIM cards, which were used in cyber fraud and identity theft. As a result of these activities, more than 180 FIRs were registered in various states. Raju Khan’s bail applications have been rejected in both cases, and he is facing charges under both PMLA and UAPA.

This case progressed with the arrest of Dheeraj Sao in 2013, along with his maternal uncle’s son, Shravan, in Raipur. The information obtained after their arrest led investigators to Zubair Hussain and Ayesha Banu, residents of Mangalore, who were later arrested. However, Raju Khan, who was from West Bengal, remained absconding until 2021, when he was finally arrested. All these accused are currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail.

Bhaskaran claimed that the Assistant Director issued a show cause notice even after the court had imposed a stay on the matter. This prompted him to approach the High Court. In May 2025, the ED conducted raids on the premises of Akash Bhaskaran and his associate, Vikram Ravindran, seizing several items. This action was related to an alleged ₹1,000 crore money laundering case connected to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The ED had also sealed their homes and offices.

Bhaskaran and Ravindran challenged the action in the Madras High Court, arguing that the sealing was not legally permissible under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). On June 20th, the High Court had stayed all further proceedings by the ED and ordered the immediate return of seized materials and the unsealing of the premises. The court stated that the agency’s actions were “completely outside its jurisdiction” due to a lack of evidence. In August 2025, the High Court also imposed a fine of ₹30,000 on the ED for failing to file timely counter-affidavits in three petitions filed by Bhaskaran. Following this, the court has now issued the notice to the ED’s Assistant Director.

The ED’s investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Jharkhand Police and the NIA. These cases involve serious offenses against Dinesh Gope and his organization, PLFI, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, and illegal activities. The investigation revealed that Dinesh Gope extorted money from contractors, businessmen, coal traders, and transporters in Jharkhand and neighboring states. He amassed approximately 20 crore rupees through these illegal means.

This money was purportedly laundered through various shell companies and firms. These companies were established in the names of his two wives, Shakuntala Devi and Geeta, as well as close associates, to legitimize the illicit funds. The investigation also uncovered that this black money was used to fund the organization’s activities, purchase weapons, and invest in land and property. The ED is now expanding its investigation into the entire network to identify other individuals involved and uncover hidden illegal assets. The investigating agency is currently gathering information about his levy-extortion network, funding sources, and investments.

The ED alleges that Vadra earned approximately Rs 58 crore through his companies—Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd and BBTPL—using the funds to finance his lavish lifestyle and acquire properties in his and/or his companies’ names. The federal agency stated that Vadra allegedly used the proceeds of crime to acquire immovable properties, make investments, and provide advances and loans. He also used this income to settle the liabilities of various group companies. The ED’s investigation led to the provisional attachment of 43 immovable properties, worth a total of Rs 38.69 crore, identified as either direct proceeds or equivalent in value to the proceeds of crime.

The ED has requested a maximum sentence of seven years in prison for the accused under Section 4 of the PMLA and the seizure of assets. The ED stated that properties identified as direct proceeds of crime include land in Bikaner, Rajasthan; units in Good Earth City Centre, Gurugram; units in Bestech Business Tower, Mohali, and residential units in Jay Ambe Township, Ahmedabad. The ED also mentioned properties falling under the category of equivalent value of proceeds of crime, including various agricultural lands in Amipur, Faridabad; plots in Mayfield Garden, Gurugram; commercial units in Centrum Plaza, Gurugram; commercial units in Bestech Business Tower, Gurugram; commercial units in India Expo Mart, Noida; an apartment in The Aralias, Gurugram; land in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and commercial space in Noida.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a charge sheet in court against Robert Vadra, Satyanand Yaji, Kewal Singh Virk, and several companies under PMLA. This case pertains to irregularities in the sale and purchase of land and the issuance of licenses in the Shikohpur village of Gurugram, Haryana. On September 1, 2018, Haryana Police registered an FIR at Kherki Daula police station in Gurugram. Robert Vadra, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, DLF Company, and Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd, among others, were accused of fraud, conspiracy, and corruption. Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd (SLHPL) purchased 3.5 acres of land for only Rs 7.50 crore, despite having very little capital, while the actual price was Rs 15 crore. False statements were made in the sale deed, indicating payment was made via check, which was never cashed. False information was provided to save approximately Rs 45 lakh in stamp duty. It is alleged that this land was given to Onkareshwar Properties in exchange for Robert Vadra’s influence in obtaining a housing license from the then-CM. Later, after obtaining a commercial license for the land, it was sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore after exerting pressure and manipulating files. The application for the license showed 3.53 acres of land, while only 1.35 acres were for commercial use. Sector road land was also included, ignoring the rules. The license process was completed quickly under the pressure of senior officials. Evidence of changing dates and alterations to the map was found in the file. According to the ED, Robert Vadra made an illegal profit of Rs 58 crore from this deal – Rs 5 crore through Blue Breeze Trading Pvt Ltd and Rs 53 crore through Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd. This money was used to buy property, make investments, and pay off debts of his companies.
The ED has provisionally seized 43 immovable properties worth Rs 38.69 crore, including land, flats, and commercial units in Bikaner, Gurugram, Mohali, Ahmedabad, Noida, and Faridabad. The ED has added Section 423 of the IPC along with several sections of PMLA. If the charges are proven, a sentence of 3 to 7 years and seizure of illegal property could occur.

Timeline:

2006-2008: Land purchase, application for license, passing of file by providing false information.
2008-2012: Payments from DLF of crores, issuance and renewal of licenses, and finally, selling the land to DLF for Rs 58 crore.
2013: Audit revealed irregularities in the entire process.