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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant steps in an ongoing money laundering investigation related to a case of land grabbing and fraud in Jharkhand, attaching three valuable land parcels in Ranchi worth over Rs 161 crore. In addition to this action, the ED has filed a fresh charge sheet in the case before a special court in Ranchi. The initial prosecution complaint was filed in this case on June 12, marking the beginning of a complex and far-reaching probe.
One noteworthy aspect of this investigation is the summoning of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for questioning by the federal agency. However, Chief Minister Soren has not appeared for questioning and is believed to have lodged a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the actions taken by the ED. Fresh summons have reportedly been issued for him, but confirmation of his appearance remains pending.
The three land parcels in question, located at Cheshire Home Road, Pugru, and Siram in Ranchi, collectively possess a commercial value exceeding Rs 161 crore. These properties have been provisionally attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED alleges that these land parcels were fraudulently mutated in favour of land mafias through collusion with officers of the land revenue department, indicating a deep-rooted corruption scheme.
This latest attachment order marks the second of its kind in this case, with the total value of attached properties now reaching Rs 236 crore. The ED's diligent investigation has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals implicated in this case, including a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Chhavi Ranjan. Mr. Ranjan previously held positions as the director of the state social welfare department and the deputy commissioner of Ranchi, adding a significant dimension to the probe.
The core of this investigation centres on the ED's assertion that a "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by mafia" was actively operating in Jharkhand. Criminal elements were purportedly engaged in the forgery of legacy records both in Kolkata and Ranchi, manipulating ownership records of land with the alleged complicity of unscrupulous government officers. These forged land records then facilitated the sale of such land parcels to other parties, ultimately benefiting the said land mafia.
The ED has been proactive in conducting 46 search and survey operations in connection with this case, unearthing substantial evidence. Among the seized items are forged seals of the land revenue department, counterfeit land deeds, records detailing the distribution of "proceeds of crime," photographs of forgeries, and evidence suggesting the payment of "bribes" to government officials, among other incriminating materials.
In conclusion, the Enforcement Directorate's ongoing investigation into the land grabbing and fraud case in Jharkhand represents a concerted effort to uncover and address corruption and malfeasance in the region. The attachment of valuable land parcels, arrests of individuals, and a relentless pursuit of evidence underscore the seriousness of the probe. With the case involving high-profile figures, including the Chief Minister, the legal and investigative processes are under intense scrutiny, making it a pivotal moment in Jharkhand's fight against corruption and fraudulent land dealings. The upcoming developments in this case, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren's response to the summons, are poised to shape the course of justice in the state.
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