THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 14: The Bokaro forest land scam has taken a political turn after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reportedly uncovered a ₹500 crore fraud, with the BJP accusing the state CID of slowing down the investigation.
BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said the ED’s findings reveal that the scam is not a routine irregularity but a well-organised economic crime involving large-scale money laundering.
ED uncovers larger network
According to Pratul, the case initially began with an FIR and was later handed over to the CID. However, the CID probe allegedly remained limited in scope and pace, tracing transactions of only ₹3–4 crore linked to Rajbir Construction.
In contrast, he said, the ED within a short period exposed a wider network involving over ₹500 crore. The central agency’s investigation reportedly found that forest land was illegally traded through shell companies and influential buyers, pointing to an organised nexus.
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BJP questions CID role
Targeting the state agencies, Pratul alleged that the slow progress of the CID probe raises questions about attempts to suppress facts and protect key accused.
He also referred to a past statement by senior Congress leader Rameshwar Oraon in the Assembly, claiming that cases are often handed over to agencies like CID to delay or divert investigations.
Pratul questioned why the probe appears to be limited to lower-level officials, such as Circle Officers and asked whether senior officials or politically connected individuals are being shielded.
Calling the Bokaro land scam a sign of “administrative failure,” he said corruption in Jharkhand is increasing and the case reflects a deeper systemic problem.