Who Is Baljeet Yadav? From Protest Runs to ED Arrest in MLA Fund Case

Jaipur: Former Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav, once known for his dramatic anti-corruption protests and youth appeal, has now been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to alleged misuse of MLA development funds worth ₹3.72 crore.

The arrest marks a sharp fall for a politician who built his public image around activism and symbolic protests against corruption.

A protest figure turned political face

Baljeet Yadav first gained statewide attention after winning the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly election as an independent candidate. He cultivated an image of a street-level activist and positioned himself as a voice against corruption and examination paper leaks.

In 2022, Yadav staged a high-profile protest in Jaipur’s Central Park by running continuously for nearly 12 hours, dressed in black. He claimed the run was meant to “wake up” the state government over alleged paper leak scandals and irregularities linked to a private university controversy. The stunt helped him gain popularity among young voters and supporters who viewed him as a rebellious reformist figure. He later joined the Congress party.

Allegations tied to sports kit procurement

Ironically, the leader who campaigned against corruption now faces allegations of financial misconduct. According to the ED investigation, during the 2021–22 financial year, sports kits including badminton and cricket equipment were procured for 32 government schools in the Behror constituency.

Authorities allege that ₹3.72 crore was withdrawn from the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) fund in the name of these purchases. Investigators suspect a large portion of the funds was siphoned off on paper, with inflated billing and money laundering through associated entities.

From ACB FIR to ED action

The case first surfaced after an FIR by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which pointed to large-scale financial irregularities. Given the scale of the alleged diversion of public funds, the ED stepped in under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In January 2025, the agency conducted raids at 10 locations linked to Yadav across Jaipur, Dausa and Behror. Documents and materials recovered during those searches reportedly strengthened the case and led to his arrest this week.

Yadav was detained near the Shahjahanpur toll plaza on the Delhi–Jaipur highway and is currently being questioned at the ED office in Jaipur.

A dramatic political reversal

For supporters who once saw him as a symbol of resistance against corruption, Yadav’s arrest represents a dramatic political reversal. Investigators say the probe is ongoing, and the ED is tracking financial transactions, beneficiaries and the wider network connected to the alleged scheme.

Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses.