New Delhi, Dec. 2 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched extensive searches across multiple locations in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Gujarat in connection with an ongoing probe under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said.

The searches began early Tuesday following actionable intelligence and were carried out in coordination with state police.

"The action is being carried out under Section 37 of FEMA and is primarily focused on Ranchi-based chartered accountant Naresh Kumar Kejriwal, who is suspected to be a key figure in an illicit hawala and foreign fund diversion network. Searches are simultaneously underway at his residence and premises linked to his family members and close associates in Ranchi,...