The Enforcement Directorate launched raids at various locations in Ranchi, including the residence of Sanjiv Lal, the personal secretary of Jharkhand's Rural Development Minister, Alamgir Alam, on Monday. During the operation, a substantial amount of cash, estimated to range between Rs 20 to 30 crore, was seized from the house help of Sanjiv Lal. The ongoing counting process, facilitated by cash machines, is anticipated to uncover additional undisclosed amounts.
These raids are part of an ongoing probe into a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the implementation of certain schemes within the Jharkhand Rural Development Department. The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of Virendra K Ram, the department's chief engineer, in February last year. Enforcement Directorate searches were conducted across Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and other locations in Jharkhand, as well as in Bihar and Delhi.
The case initially came to light in 2019 when a significant sum of cash was discovered in the possession of one of Virendra K Ram's subordinates. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate assumed control of the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In response to the cash haul, the BJP has called for immediate action against Alamgir Alam, urging strict interrogation regarding the recovered funds. According to Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo, this recent development underscores the Congress's involvement in illicit financial activities. He cited previous instances of cash seizures linked to Congress affiliates, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny of Alamgir Alam's connection to the seized funds by the Enforcement Directorate.
Furthermore, Pratul Shah Deo advocated for the Election Commission of India to take cognizance of such substantial cash recoveries amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This call for scrutiny comes in the wake of previous instances of cash seizures, including the significant unaccounted cash discovered during income tax raids on properties associated with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. Additionally, the arrest of Pankaj Mishra, a close aide of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in a money laundering case related to illegal mining further underscores the gravity of the situation.
