THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 30: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet (prosecution complaint) against three individuals, including clerk Santosh Kumar, in connection with the drinking water scam involving alleged fraudulent withdrawals from the treasury.
The other accused named in the complaint are Santosh Kumar’s wife, Lalita Sinha, and a company, M/s Rock Drill Construction Private Limited.
₹22.86 Crore Fraud Alleged
According to the ED, Santosh Kumar, who was posted as a Cashier-cum-Upper Division Clerk, misused his official position to fraudulently withdraw ₹22.86 crore from the government treasury.
To facilitate the fraud, he allegedly created a company—M/s Rock Drill Construction Private Limited—and diverted funds into its bank account by manipulating official records, including the Payee ID and DDO Code.
The ED stated that the funds were later laundered and reintroduced into the economy through various investments and purchases.
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Assets Seized and Attachment Sought
During the investigation, the ED has so far seized assets worth ₹2.18 crore. It has also approached the court seeking attachment of additional assets worth ₹6.26 crore.
Among the seized assets are investments worth ₹1.78 crore in jewellery, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
Purchases in Family Members’ Names
The probe revealed that Santosh Kumar deposited money with a dealership to purchase a Toyota Innova Crysta, which was registered in the name of his wife. The vehicle has since been taken into custody by the ED.
He also purchased a 6.81-decimal plot of land in Ratu in the name of his sister, Mamta Sinha, using the allegedly siphoned funds.
According to the ED, the land was gifted to his sister on the condition that she would relinquish her share in their ancestral property. However, he later recovered the expenses related to registration and other formalities from her.
The ED investigation in the case is ongoing.