The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at the Jodhpur residence of Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s brother Agrasen.
The agency has filed a case related to the alleged diversion of fertilisers meant for farmers against Agrasen and 14 others.
The raids came amid Congress’ protests against the Central government over the interrogation of Rahul Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case.
Ashok Gehlot is one of the key persons, along with many senior Congress leaders, who are leading the protests.
Last year, Agrasen Gehlot was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged fertiliser scam. He was, however, given relief by the High Court against any coercive action from the agency.
He has been accused of exporting subsidised fertiliser between 2007 and 2009 when the UPA government was in power.
According to sources, Agrasen Gehlot, during the period 2007 to 2009, conspired and exported a large amount of Muriate of Potash (MoP) to foreign countries that was meant for Indian farmers at a subsidised rate.
In July 2020, the ED had registered a case against Gehlot in the fertiliser scam case. The ED teams raided several locations – six in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, two places in West Bengal, four locations in Gujarat and one in Delhi.
In the raids, the ED had seized documents related to fertilizer export.
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot had then accused the BJP-led Central government of orchestrating raids on his relatives and close aides in a bid to topple his government in the state.
