Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has apprehended Amit Katyal, a businessman closely linked with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad and his son, former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, in connection with a real estate fraud exceeding Rs 300 crore. This arrest, executed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), further complicates the political landscape in Bihar following the state assembly elections. Katyal, who has a history of involvement in economic crime cases, is reported to manage a Delhi bungalow often used by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. He serves as the promoter and director of M/s Angle Infrastructure Private Limited, a real estate firm previously accused of various financial misconducts.
The ED’s investigation arose from an FIR lodged by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police, which was later integrated into a money laundering inquiry. Authorities allege that Katyal and his associates misled investors in a Gurugram project named “Krrish Florence Estate,” which was supposedly intended for government employees. It is claimed that significant sums were collected before the project secured licenses, with investors misinformed about construction progress and license approvals. These funds were allegedly laundered through numerous accounts and businesses. After Katyal’s arrest and interrogation, the ED is focusing on three primary areas: the flow of the Rs 300 crore, the beneficiaries of these funds, and any possible connections to political financing.
Additional summons and raids are expected in the near future. The arrest has heightened scrutiny of the RJD, which is already grappling with challenges following recent electoral losses. Opposition leaders argue that the case underscores alleged connections between controversial businessmen and the party leadership. RJD supporters and associates of Tejashwi Prasad Yadav have characterized the arrest as politically motivated, claiming the central government is misusing investigative bodies to undermine opposition figures.