ED Raids Bengaluru Colleges in Alleged Seat Blocking Scam Probe

Bengaluru, Jun 25 (PTI) Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducted searches across multiple locations in Bengaluru on Wednesday, as part of a money laundering probe connected to an alleged engineering seat blocking scam in certain private colleges, as per official sources.

A total of 18 locations were raided in the city, including premises of BMS College of Engineering, Akash Institute of Engineering and Technology, and New Horizon College of Engineering. Premises associated with trustees of BMS and their key associates, along with some educational consultants and agents, were also targeted in these operations, sources reported.

No comments could be obtained from the colleges or their promoters regarding the accusations and the ED's action.

The investigation is being spearheaded by the Bengaluru zonal unit of the federal agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sources added.

During the searches, several documents and computer hardware were confiscated, according to the sources.