Who is Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Congress Leader Raided by ED?
Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, a senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan minister, has been making headlines recently after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his home in connection with the PACL scam probe. As a nephew of former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Khachariyawas is known for his outspoken style, which has often gotten him into controversy. But what exactly is the PACL scam, and what has led to the ED’s interest in Khachariyawas?
Early Life and Political Career
Born in 1975, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas hails from a prominent political family in Rajasthan. His uncle, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, was the Vice President of India from 2002 to 2007. Khachariyawas’ family has a long history of involvement in politics, and it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps.
Khachariyawas began his political career in the 1990s, serving as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the President of the Jaipur Congress Committee in 2009. Over the years, he has held several ministerial positions, including that of Food and Civil Supplies Minister.
Controversies and Criticisms
Khachariyawas’ outspoken style has often gotten him into trouble. He has been known to make bold statements, which have sometimes been criticized as being controversial or inflammatory. In 2018, for example, he sparked a controversy by saying that the BJP government in Rajasthan was trying to “muzzle” him.
In addition to his controversial statements, Khachariyawas has also faced criticism for his alleged involvement in various scams and scandals. In 2017, he was accused of involvement in the National Herald scam, which involved the alleged misappropriation of funds from the newspaper.
PACL Scam Probe
The PACL scam, in which Khachariyawas has been embroiled, is a massive financial fraud that allegedly involved the theft of thousands of crores of rupees from investors. PACL, or Pearls Agrotech Corporation Limited, was a real estate company that promised investors high returns on their investments. However, it was later discovered that the company had been running a Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay off earlier investors.
The ED’s investigation into the PACL scam has allegedly linked Khachariyawas to the company, and it is believed that he may have received kickbacks from the company in exchange for his support. The ED’s raid on his home is seen as a significant development in the investigation, as it suggests that the agency has gathered sufficient evidence to warrant a search.
Reactions and Fallout
The raid on Khachariyawas’ home has sparked a political controversy, with the Congress party and the BJP trading barbs over the issue. The Congress has accused the BJP government of trying to target its leaders and has demanded an explanation for the raid. The BJP, on the other hand, has claimed that the raid is a result of the ED’s independent investigation and has accused the Congress of trying to shield Khachariyawas.
Khachariyawas himself has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the ED of conducting a “motivated” investigation. He has also claimed that the raid was a result of political vendetta and has demanded an apology from the BJP government.
Conclusion
The raid on Pratap Singh Khachariyawas’ home is a significant development in the PACL scam probe, and it has sent shockwaves through the political establishment in Rajasthan. As a senior Congress leader and former minister, Khachariyawas’ alleged involvement in the scam is a serious matter, and it is likely to have significant implications for his political career.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether Khachariyawas will be able to clear his name and prove his innocence. In the meantime, the PACL scam has once again highlighted the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the financial sector, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and good governance.
Source:
https://thecsrjournal.in/ed-raids-ex-ministers-home-rajasthan-over-massive-pacl-scam-probe/
