Enforcement Directorate Recovers Millions in Raids Tied to Jharkhand Minister
In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of raids in Ranchi on Monday, unearthing a substantial amount of unaccounted cash from multiple locations, including the residence of Sanjiv Lal, personal secretary to Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam.
Cash Haul from Minister's Aide's Residence
The ED's raid on Lal's premises yielded a staggering amount of cash, estimated to be in the range of Rs 20 to 30 crore. The cash, predominantly in Rs 500 notes, was meticulously counted using counting machines to determine its exact value. In addition to the cash, some jewelry was also recovered.
Additional Cash Recovery from Separate Location
Concurrent with the raid on Lal's residence, the ED conducted searches at another location, yielding an additional Rs 3 crore.
Minister Alamgir Alam Under Scrutiny
The raids, which commenced early Monday morning, are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation against Virendra K Ram, a former chief engineer in the Jharkhand Rural Development Department, who was apprehended last year. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in the implementation of departmental schemes.
Previous Cash Recovery Linked to Virendra Ram
In 2019, a substantial amount of cash was seized from one of Virendra Ram's subordinates. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate initiated a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act.
BJP Demands Minister's Custody
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vehemently demanded the immediate detention and thorough interrogation of Minister Alamgir Alam in light of the cash discovery. Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo alleged that the latest incident underscores the Congress party's pervasive involvement in illegal financial transactions. He further called for the Election Commission of India's intervention, given the timing of the cash recovery amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
Income Tax Raid on Congress MP's Premises
In December 2023, the Income Tax Department conducted raids on premises linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu in Odisha and Jharkhand, resulting in the seizure of over Rs 300 crore in unaccounted cash. The haul marked the highest-ever such recovery by any agency in a single operation, as reported by PTI.
Pankaj Mishra's Arrest
Pankaj Mishra, a close associate of incarcerated former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, was apprehended in 2022 on money laundering charges stemming from an illegal mining case.
