THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 27: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today told the Special (PMLA) court that the senior officers,
who were privy to the relevant information about
Rural Development Minister Alamgir Alam in the Rs 3000 crore tender scam, have been summoned and their role is under investigation.
“One such officer i.e. Manish Ranjan was summoned under Section 50 of PMLA, 2002 to gather evidence but he failed to appear on May 24. Thus, another summon was issued to him for his personal appearance on May 28,” it added.
Role of influential persons linked to Alamgir Alam
The ED said, during the investigation, the role of various influential persons linked to Alamgir Alam was also found. “They were key decision-makers and beneficiaries or may have assisted for the generation and distribution of the proceeds of crime that had flown to Alamgir Alam through the said nexus of the Department,” it pointed out.
The ED made these statements today while producing Alam in the court seeking further extension of his remand period to confront him with Manish Ranjan, who happened to be secretary of the rural development department for a considerable period. Convinced with the ED argument, the court extended his remand for three days more.
Alam was arrested on May 15
Notably, the ED arrested Alam on May 15 following the recovery of unaccounted Rs 37.5 crore from the premises linked to him. He has been under the ED custody since May 16.
Ironically, Alam, also the Congress legislature party leader, has refused to resign from the cabinet following his arrest.
Alam has concealed proceeds of crime
The ED reiterated that Alamgir Alam has concealed and is involved in the acquisition and transfer of the proceeds of crime.
“Further, Alamgir Alam has material evidence and information related to the offence of money laundering, which
is the subject matter of investigation in the instant case. Also, documentary pieces of evidence seized from various premises show the crucial role the Alamgir Alam and the scrutiny of digital devices shows the involvement of other persons as well. The said fact needs to be confronted with Alam,” the ED added.
Role of Veerendra Kumar Ram
The case is linked to Veerendra Kumar Ram, who was arrested on February 23 last year. He was posted as Chief Engineer in the Rural Development Special Division and Rural Works Department, both under the Jharkhand Government. Ram used to collect commissions in terms of allocation of tender and execution of work and the said commission/ fixed share of 1.5% was distributed to Minister Alamgir Alam.
During the investigation, the ED found that the whole process of collection and distribution of commission was taken care of by the assistant engineers posted at the Rural Development Special Division and Rural Works Department.
Later, the ED conducted raids at the premises of Sanjeev Lal, Alam’s private secretary, and Jehangir on May 6 and seized a huge amount of cash to the tune of Rs. 37.5 Crore, which includes the seizure of Rs. 32.2 from the premise of Jahangir Alam. At present, both are under judicial custody.
