In an unprecedented turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi has uncovered a colossal amount of cash at the residence of a servant to the personal secretary of Minister Alamgir Alam of the Jharkhand Government. Initial information indicates cash ranging between 20 to 30 crores was seized. Furthermore, an additional 3 crores have been recovered from another location within the same home. Minister Alamgir Alam was implicated during the investigation of a money laundering case.
The ED received a tip-off about ongoing corruption in Alamgir Alam's ministry, with funds supposedly funneled to the servants' homes. This led to the raid on the servant's house. The officials were astounded to find such a large sum at the home of an individual whose salary is a mere 15,000 rupees. However, now, the officials have called for note-counting machines and additional staff.
Allegations of a 10,000 rupee bribery case
Last year, the ED conducted raids in a bribery case involving 10,000 rupees at a Chief Engineer's residence. During this time, statements were recorded linking the minister's office to bribery exchanges. These investigations brought Minister Alamgir Alam's name into the spotlight. Alamgir's personal secretary, Sanjeev Lal, also became entangled, and the recent cash discovery was made at his servant's home.
Towering stacks of cash discovered at the minister's PS's servant's home amidst elections, estimated ED haul of 30 crores
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey takes aim at Congress
Meanwhile, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has targeted the Congress party over the scandal. Attacking Congress candidate Pradeep Yadav from Godda, Dubey claimed, "More than 30 crores and still counting... Today's ED action against the personal secretary Sanjeev Lal of the leader of Congress legislative party and the 'corruption jewel' of Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Government Minister Alamgir Alam represents a significant operation. Over 30 crores cash was found at Sanjeev Lal's residence by the ED. The story of Pradeep Yadav's party…"
Who is Alamgir Alam?
Alamgir Alam has served as the elected representative from Pakur Assembly constituency for Congress on four occasions and currently holds the position of Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development in the Jharkhand Government. Previously, from October 20, 2006, till December 12, 2009, Alamgir also served as the Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. He began his political career by winning the Sarpanch election, and since then, has been elected four times to the legislature.
350 crores cash recovered from a Congress MP's estate previously
It's worth noting that a considerable cash haul was also recovered in Jharkhand last December. The Income Tax Department seized over 350 crores from the properties of Congress Rajya Sabha MP and businessman Dheeraj Sahu. Responding to the raid, Sahu stated that the cash recovered belonged to his liquor companies, asserting that liquor businesses operate in cash and this has no ties to the Congress party.
