ED Seizes £35M in Cash, Documents from Jharkhand Minister's Staff

In a significant operation on Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches across various locations in Jharkhand, leading to the seizure of Rs 35.23 crore in unaccounted cash. The operations targeted premises associated with a domestic help of the secretary to Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam, among other sites. This action forms part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations linked to the state's rural development department.

Officials disclosed that a substantial portion of the seized funds, over Rs 32 crore, was recovered from a location connected to the minister. Additionally, Rs 3 crore was found at other premises under scrutiny by the central agency. The ED's probe into this case commenced last year, resulting in the arrest of a former chief engineer of the state rural development department.

Visual evidence shared by sources depicted ED officials counting large sums of money, primarily in Rs 500 denominations, using eight note-counting machines. The operation took place in a 2BHK flat at Gadikhana Chowk, with central paramilitary forces ensuring security. It is believed that Jahangir Alam, a domestic aide to Minister Alam's personal secretary Sanjiv Lal, resides at this location alongside Lal.

During the searches, officials also discovered official documents, including a letter from the ED to the state's chief secretary and several letters recommending transfers and postings. Minister Alamgir Alam has stated he has not received any official information regarding these developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted these seizures during his poll rallies in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, questioning the proximity of those involved to the Congress party's leadership. He criticized the opposition for harboring individuals linked to corruption.

The ED's findings included more than Rs 31 crore from one premise alone. The intensity of the counting process led to two machines overheating and being replaced. Among the documents seized were official communications from May 2023 and recommendation letters for government official transfers and postings.

This operation is part of a broader investigation into Veerendra Kumar Ram, a former chief engineer accused of engaging in corrupt practices involving tender allotments. Last year, the ED attached assets worth Rs 39 crore belonging to Ram and his family, citing their involvement in money laundering activities stemming from corrupt practices.

The ongoing searches and seizures underscore the ED's commitment to uncovering financial irregularities and combating corruption within government operations. This case continues to develop as authorities delve deeper into the alleged money laundering network.