New Delhi: In course of the investigation of the money laundering charges against Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, sleuths from the Enforcement Directorate directed searches in several properties on three states, on Friday.

A select few of Singh's associates and the individuals named in the agency-registered FIR in Delhi faced raids, which were carried out in Kolkata, Mumbai and the national capital itself, informed sources.

Business entity premises that allegedly received funds from Singh's associates also underwent raids which were carried out since early morning today, the sources added.

The money laundering case under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was filed by the ED against Singh after taking into account the CBI criminal complaint filed in September.

"Important" documents have come into the hands of the investigators which will be studied to find out the "proceeds of crime", which Singh and his associates allegedly channeled using illegal procedures, informed sources.

An amount of Rs 6.1 crore was allegedly amassed by Singh and his family with the time period of 2009 to 2011 when Singh held the position as the Union Minister of Steel. Singh claimed that the amount, which CBI has alleged to have been used in creating life insurance policies in his own name and that of his family members during this period, came from his agricultural income. This was carried out through LIC agent Chauhan.

Singh allegedly even filed revised revised Income-Tax returns in an attempt to legitimize this claim in 2012.