Hyderabad, Sep 3 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate ED on Thursday conducted searches at multiple premises linked to alleged ganja racket kingpin Neetu Bai in Hyderabad.
Officials of the ED were conducting searches at various premises at nine locations allegedly linked to Neetu Bai, notorious as ‘Ganja Queen’
The searches are reported to be part of a money-laundering probe arising from cases registered by Telangana’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and the Prohibition and Excise Department against her and her associates.
The ED searches are a part of enforcement action being carried out by the Central agency across the country in narcotics cases under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.
In Hyderabad, the ED focused on Neetu Bai, who is shown as absconding in multiple cases registered by Cyberabad Narcotics Police Station of EAGLE and the Excise Department.
According to sources, the ED registered its case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on the basis of EAGLE FIRs and is examining the alleged proceeds generated through ganja sales and their handling.
The Central agency is examining the source of funds and properties allegedly acquired through illegal ganja sales.
The ED is likely to provide details of the investigation after the searches.
Neetu Bai and her network are suspected to have made crores of rupees through the illegal trade and allegedly routed a substantial portion of the proceeds through hawala channels.
The ED officials are looking into financial transactions, property documents, bank accounts and other records to trace the flow of the suspected proceeds of crime.
They are also trying to ascertain if the money generated from the alleged drug trade was invested in immovable properties and other assets in the names of family members or associates.
Neetu Bai’s residence at Lodha Basti in Nanakramguda is suspected to be the den for an allegedly family-run ganja retail sale. Her husband, Munna Singh, sons Gautam and Govind and daughter allegedly assist her in packaging and selling the ganja.
EAGLE officials in the past found several addicts, including software engineers, purchasing ganja from her residence. She was named as an accused in several FIRs registered in this regard.
However, she remained elusive and is shown as absconding in the FIRs.
In 2024, the Cyberabad Special Operation Team (SOT) had conducted a raid at her residence and seized 20 kilograms of ganja and Rs.20 lakh cash.
–IANS
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