WebDesk National
6 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant seizures of unaccounted cash and official documents during raids on the premises of a domestic help of a secretary to Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam. The raids, part of a money laundering investigation related to the state rural development department, resulted in the recovery of approximately Rs 25 crore in cash.
Videos and photos shared by sources reveal the extensive operation, with officials emptying wads of currency notes from large bags in a 2BHK flat in Gadikhana Chowk. The cash, primarily in Rs 500 denomination, was counted using eight note-counting machines and bank staff.
The premises where the cash was found are reportedly occupied by Jahangir Alam, a domestic help of Sanjiv Lal, the personal secretary to Congress leader and Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Alamgir Alam. The keys to the premises were seized from Lal’s flat.
In addition to the cash, the ED also recovered official documents, including a letter recommending transfer and posting of government officials, and an official communication seeking an independent probe into alleged bribery revelations. Recommendation letters from MLAs and other high-profile individuals for favorable transfers and postings were also seized.
The raids are linked to a money laundering case against former chief engineer of the rural works department, Veerendra Kumar Ram, who was arrested by the ED last year. Ram is accused of generating proceeds of crime through commissions from contractors in exchange for allotment of tenders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the ED seizures in his recent poll rallies, questioning the proximity of those involved to the Congress leadership. He criticized the opposition for alleged corruption and emphasized his government’s commitment to combatting graft.
The searches underscore ongoing efforts to combat corruption and money laundering, with authorities continuing to pursue cases of illicit wealth accumulation and misuse of official positions for personal gain. The ED’s actions highlight the need for stringent enforcement measures to safeguard public funds and ensure transparency in governance.