New Delhi (Agency): The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a federal agency in India, announced that it has provisionally attached three land parcels worth more than Rs 161 crore. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into a case of “land grabbing and fraud” in the state of Jharkhand.
The three land parcels are located at Cheshire Home Road, Pugru, and Siram, all in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. According to the ED, these lands have been “mutated fraudulently in favor of land mafias.” The agency further alleges that this was done in collusion with officials from the land revenue department.
Alongside the land attachment, the ED has also filed a fresh charge sheet in the case. Fourteen individuals have been arrested so far, including a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer named Chhavi Ranjan. Ranjan had previously served as the director of the state’s social welfare department and also as the deputy commissioner of Ranchi.
Interestingly, the ED has summoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren twice for questioning in relation to the case. However, Soren has not yet appeared before the agency. He is understood to have filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the ED’s action. While there is no confirmation, it is believed that new summons for the Chief Minister may be issued next week.
The case has brought under scrutiny not just land mafias but also the role of government officials in facilitating such massive land fraud. With a high-profile political figure like the Chief Minister also being summoned for questioning, the case is drawing considerable attention.
The attachment of the land parcels is a significant development in the case. It is done under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This Act allows for the seizure of assets gained from illegal activities. The current action by the ED underlines the gravity of the situation and adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how deep the rabbit hole of corruption goes. The land fraud case has already led to several arrests and legal actions. Now, with the attachment of such valuable lands and the involvement of high-ranking officials, the case is shaping up to be one of the most significant corruption investigations in recent times.