In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has apprehended Surender @ Chiku, a notorious gangster and close confidant of Laurence Bishnoi and Khalistani terror outfits. The arrest was made on 21/02/2024 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, with the Hon’ble Special Court, Panchkula granting 05 days of ED custody for the accused.
The ED’s probe was initiated following multiple FIRs filed by the Haryana Police against Surender @ Chiku and his associates for crimes including kidnapping, murder, and extortion. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also registered a case against him.
Investigations by the ED have unearthed Surender @ Chiku’s direct links to the Laurence Bishnoi gang and Khalistani terror groups. It has been revealed that he utilized proceeds from criminal activities, particularly in mining, liquor, and toll businesses, through his network of accomplices.
Further scrutiny revealed the involvement of Satish Kumar and Vikash Kumar, directors of M/s. MDR Enterprises Private Limited and M/s. Nimawat Granites Private Limited, in Surender @ Chiku’s illicit financial operations. These companies were used as fronts to launder illegally earned money.
Earlier, on 05.12.2023, the ED conducted searches on 13 premises in Haryana and Rajasthan associated with Surender @ Chiku and his associates. The searches yielded incriminating evidence, including electronic devices, documents, cash, and property papers. Notably, around 60 bank accounts linked to the gang were traced during the search operation.
It was discovered that the gang had acquired properties through unregistered agreements, and documents related to approximately 15 such properties were seized and frozen under the PMLA, 2002.
The arrest of Surender @ Chiku and subsequent investigations mark a significant crackdown on organized crime networks operating in the region, underscoring the ED’s commitment to combating money laundering and illicit activities.
