Bihar launches its biggest anti-crime operation under the PMLA, seizing properties worth crores from 52 criminals. Learn how this bold move by the Bihar government targets organized crime, black money, and illegal assets.

Bihar’s Boldest Crackdown Yet: ₹Crores in Properties Seized Under PMLA

In a decisive move to dismantle criminal networks and curb black money, the Bihar government has seized properties linked to 52 notorious criminals. This massive crackdown—carried out by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU)—is being hailed as the state’s most aggressive action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Legal Basis: PMLA and State Enforcement in Action

This crackdown is executed under the powerful legal provisions of the PMLA, which empowers enforcement agencies to attach and confiscate assets derived from criminal proceeds. In addition, the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act has been applied in cases involving the illegal liquor trade.

With support from the judiciary, Bihar’s enforcement agencies have secured court orders to attach and seize properties including homes, businesses, land, and vehicles acquired through illicit means.

Who’s Impacted: Smugglers, Mafias, Cybercriminals, and Maoists

The 52 individuals targeted belong to various criminal enterprises:

Liquor smugglers violating the state’s prohibition laws.

Sand and land mafias engaged in illegal mining and encroachments.

Cybercriminals involved in financial scams and fraud.

Maoist operatives funding insurgency with extorted money.

Seized assets are spread across key districts like Patna, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, and Bhagalpur.

Major Developments in the Crackdown

The EOU meticulously tracked these assets over several months:

Assets linked to criminal proceeds were identified.

Courts passed confiscation orders based on strong evidence.

Government teams began taking physical possession of the assets.

Additional properties are currently under review and seizure proceedings are ongoing.

Why This Crackdown Matters: Hitting Criminals Where It Hurts

This operation signals a major policy shift—rather than merely arresting offenders, the government is now targeting the financial networks that fuel organized crime. A senior EOU official stated:

“The message is clear. If you build your empire on crime, the law will catch up, and you will not be allowed to keep the proceeds of your wrongdoing.”

The seizure of illegally earned wealth is expected to act as a strong deterrent and could inspire similar actions in other Indian states.

Legal and Constitutional Considerations

While the operation aligns with India’s constitutional goal of ensuring justice and public order, legal experts urge caution. The use of the PMLA must strictly adhere to due process and respect property rights under Article 300A of the Constitution of India.

Ensuring a fair trial and legal transparency will be essential for the long-term legitimacy of such bold governance.