Enforcement Directorate raids premises of Ashok Gehlot's brother in fertilizer scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out nationwide searches in connection with its ongoing probe in a fertilizer scam which included premises of brother of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

The agency carried out raids on premises of Agrasain Gehlot in Jodhpur. It is alleged that Agrasain Gehlot between 2007 to 2009 was an authorised dealer for Indian Potash Limited (IPL) bought muriate of potash at subsidised rates and instead of distributing to farmers, he sold it to few companies, who further exported it to Malaysia and Singapore in the guise of Industrial Salt.

Muriate of Potash ( Fertilizer ) is banned for exports. It is imported by Indian Potash Limited and distributed to farmers at subsidised rates.


The “scandal” was unearthed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in 2012-13 after custom officials caught its consignment as export of potash is restricted.

The BJP in 2017 had raised this issue accusing Agrasain Gehlot’s firm of exporting muriate of potash during the UPA rule after claiming subsidy on it from the Centre. Congress had denied the accusations levelled by BJP.

ED is carrying out raids at two places in Kolkata, four in Gujarat, one in Delhi and six in Rajasthan in connection with the fertilizer scam. Besides Gehlot's brother, a former Congress MP from Jodhpur is also being raided in connection with the probe.