ED Arrests Former MLA Baljeet Yadav in MLA Fund Misuse Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav in connection with a money laundering investigation involving the alleged misuse of MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds. The Jaipur regional unit of the federal agency apprehended Yadav on Tuesday night near the Shahjahanpur toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Following his detention, he was transported to the ED office in Jaipur for intensive questioning before being formally placed under arrest.

The case pertains to the procurement of sports equipment for 32 government schools in the Behror assembly constituency during the 2021-22 fiscal year. 72 crore was allocated from the MLA LAD fund for the purchase of badminton and cricket kits. However, subsequent probes revealed significant discrepancies in the utilization of these funds, leading to allegations of large-scale embezzlement.

Details of the Arrest and Investigation

The arrest follows a series of coordinated raids conducted by the ED on January 24, 2025. During that operation, the agency searched 10 locations associated with Baljeet Yadav across Jaipur, Dausa, and Behror. ED sources stated that the searches yielded incriminating documents and digital evidence suggesting financial irregularities. The agency's action is based on a First Information Report (FIR) previously registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Allegations of Fake Billing and Collusion

According to the investigation, the procurement process involved fraudulent billing and collusion with specific contractors. The ED alleges that payments were released for sub-standard equipment or, in some instances, without any physical delivery of goods. The probe focuses on how the public exchequer suffered losses while funds were diverted through illicit channels. 72 crore.

Political Context and Previous Stance

Baljeet Yadav, who served as an independent MLA, was known for his public demonstrations against corruption during the previous state administration. He gained media attention for running in black clothes at Jaipur Central Park as a mark of protest and had announced a reward of ₹51,000 for anyone who could expose corruption in his constituency. The current legal proceedings mark a significant turn in his political career as he faces charges of the very practices he publicly campaigned against.

Analysis of Legal Implications

According to legal analysts, the ED is likely to seek custodial remand of the former legislator to further investigate the involvement of other officials and contractors. The focus of the ongoing investigation remains on recovering the embezzled funds and establishing the complete network involved in the alleged scam. This arrest is seen as part of a broader crackdown on the misappropriation of public development funds in the region.