ED arrests Jharkhand minister secretary: In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant strides in its investigation, resulting in the arrest of Sanjiv Lal, the personal secretary of Jharkhand Congress Minister Alamgir Alam, along with Lal’s domestic help. This move follows extensive raids across various locations, culminating in the confiscation of approximately Rs 34.50 crore in cash, according to sources within the agency.
The ED has asserted that they detained Sanjiv Lal and his aide Jahangir Alam late on Monday night. The agency intends to place them under remand for further interrogation regarding the origins of the funds. Additionally, incriminating documents, including a list of transfer posting requests and correspondence from the ED to the chief secretary regarding action against Virendra Ram, have been seized. These documents are currently under analysis.
The ED apprehended former chief engineer Virendra Kumar Ram of the state Rural Development Department last year in connection with a money laundering case.
Minister Alamgir Alam distanced himself from the situation, stating he had no prior knowledge of the ED’s actions, but emphasized that the government employed Sanjiv Lal, a government official with prior experience, for his expertise. Lal had previously served as a personal secretary to other ministers, including a former BJP minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced these ED seizures during an election rally in Andhra Pradesh, insinuating a connection between those implicated and the Congress leadership. This led to speculation regarding the potential use of the seized cash and allegations of the Congress’s involvement in amassing black money.
The Jharkhand Congress has highlighted Sanjiv Lal’s past association with both Congress and BJP ministers, indicating that the timing of the ED’s actions, coinciding with Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state for a political rally, might have political implications.
In summary, the ED’s recent arrests and seizures have intensified scrutiny on alleged financial irregularities, prompting political discourse and speculation regarding potential motives and ramifications.